New to Grow
As a therapist, I am deeply committed to creating a safe, compassionate, and empowering space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe in the resilience of the human spirit and the power of genuine connection to promote healing and growth. My approach is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and collaboration, guiding individuals through challenges related to trauma, substance use, relationships, and life transitions. I strive to meet each client where they are, honoring their unique experiences while helping them build the tools and insight needed to move forward.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first session is designed to be a safe, collaborative starting point where we focus entirely on you. Think of it as a comprehensive introduction and a chance for us to begin building the foundation of our work together. What to Expect: Getting to Know You (and Vice Versa): The initial part of the session is about establishing a connection. You’ll have the space to share what brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping to achieve, and any questions you have for me. It’s important that you feel comfortable, so we'll discuss my approach to ensure it’s a good fit for your needs. The Diagnostic Assessment: We will engage in a thorough, collaborative diagnostic assessment. This isn't just about assigning labels; it's a deep, structured conversation aimed at gathering a complete picture of your history, current struggles with substance use, trauma, anxiety, or mood disorders, and how these challenges impact your daily life. This helps me tailor an effective, personalized treatment plan for you. Defining Hopes and Goals: We will spend time discussing your hopes for therapy and defining concrete, achievable goals. These goals will act as our compass, ensuring every step we take is moving you toward the life you envision. Next Steps: By the end of the session, we will have a mutual understanding of your primary concerns and a shared vision for our work together. We will outline potential next steps, including the therapeutic modalities that will be most beneficial for you. This session is an opportunity for you to feel heard, understood, and confident that we are beginning this journey together with clear intention and dedicated support.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strength lies in my unwavering commitment to fostering a truly trusting, collaborative, and non-judgmental relationship with every client. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the engine of change, and I dedicate myself to creating a secure and consistent space where you feel completely safe to be vulnerable, explore your challenges, and speak your truth. This foundation of trust is the bedrock upon which all healing begins. Furthermore, my practice is grounded in the strategic and compassionate application of evidence-based techniques, including the modalities discussed previously (CBT, MI, EMDR, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Mindfulness). I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy; instead, I integrate the most effective, clinically proven tools—tailoring every intervention to your specific needs, experiences, and goals. Ultimately, my goal is to guide you not just toward symptom reduction, but toward sustainable hope and long-term success. I partner with you to uncover your inherent strengths, challenge self-limiting beliefs, and equip you with the practical skills needed to thrive long after our work together is complete. I am here to witness your struggle and celebrate your journey toward the resilient, fulfilling life you deserve. Feel free to mix and match elements from this and the previous descriptions to create the perfect statement!
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
As a dedicated therapist, I work with adults who are actively struggling with substance use, trauma, anxiety, and various mood disorders. My practice is built around the fundamental belief that you possess the inherent strength to change, and my role is to provide the expert support and partnership necessary to make that change a reality. The clients I partner with believe change is possible—they simply need the right tools and guidance to bridge the gap between their desire for a better life and knowing how to achieve it.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to centers on providing evidence-based, client-centered care by focusing on the relationship between a client's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By targeting these processes, I help clients identify and change the negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their psychological distress, which is a core component of this evidence-based therapy.
Attachment-based
Attachment-based therapy is a trauma-informed therapeutic approach rooted in attachment theory, which focuses on how a person's earliest relationships with their caregivers shape their emotional well-being and relational patterns throughout life. It is used to help clients heal from past trauma, shift from insecure to more secure attachment styles, and build healthier, more trusting connections with themselves and others. By addressing these core attachment issues, clients often experience greater self-esteem, emotional resilience, improved self-compassion, and greater satisfaction in their relationships and overall quality of life. By addressing these core attachment issues, clients often experience greater self-esteem, emotional resilience, improved self-compassion, and greater satisfaction in their relationships and overall quality of life.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, evidence-based counseling approach designed to help individuals find their own intrinsic motivation to make positive behavioral changes. It is particularly effective for those who feel ambivalent or resistant to change, and it is widely used in addiction treatment, mental health, and general healthcare settings. By using the principles and skills, MI empowers clients to shift from simply being aware of a problem to developing a concrete plan and commitment to action.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the emotional distress and symptoms resulting from disturbing or traumatic life experiences. The core idea behind EMDR is that the brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health, and the technique helps to remove blocks that prevent the mind from healing from psychological trauma.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT), which includes approaches like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), is a powerful approach that helps clients by training them to focus their attention and develop a nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment. The therapy works to heal emotional distress and reduce suffering by promoting several key psychological changes.