Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session together, we'll start with simple, informal introductions. Let's break the ice! What are your likes and dislikes? Let's talk about our tattoos. What's your pet's name? Who is your favorite music artist and why? What do you want/need me to know about you to ensure you feel comfortable and respected always when in session? Need a minute to cry, vent, or just take a deep breath and sit in silence - that's cool too! We will get to know a little about each other at a pace that is most comfortable for you. I will ask what brought you to therapy and what will make you feel like it is worth it to keep coming back. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions and make sure that therapy continues to be informative and worth your while in achieving any mental health and other wellness goals you may have. Come as you are and hopefully whenever you choose to end our therapeutic relationship, you'll have a clearer understanding of who YOU are, and your worth/value in this thing called life.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

Throughout my academic, personal, and professional journey, I have been deeply committed to fostering inclusive environments where all individuals feel seen, heard, and valued for their lived experience. I am passionate about trauma-informed care and combating social injustices, destigmatizing mental health, and advocating for proper care and treatment of those challenged by comorbid disorders, anxiety, depression, chronic/progressive/terminal illnesses, end-of-life/legacy building, compassion fatigue/caregiver burnout, life changes and adjustment challenges, addiction/substance misuse, and people in prison or with a history of involvement with the legal system. I am an experienced clinician who has worked in various clinical and non-clinical/mental health settings...but...I am a human first. I am a woman of color/mixed heritage. I am a mother. I meet clients where they are at and will never take ownership of your growth because I am just a vessel holding space and guiding - YOU are doing the work. We will work collaboratively. While I earned my degrees and credentials, I lead with my humanity! "Real life stuff" is always applicable in our sessions. I have my own history of challenges, and I have done the work on both "sides of the couch," so to speak. I'll never equate my life to yours because we all have unique lived experiences, but I promise to come with a non-judgmental open mind, be ready to create a safe space for all and be a "real" person. If this sounds like a good fit for you let me help you work through some things, gain insight, heal and GROW (see what I did there?).

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Have you been hesitant to get into therapy because you have a cliche idea of what it will be like from TV shows, the movies, or your friends' experiences? Or, have you tried therapy and felt like all your therapist did was listen but did not provide you with any feedback, guidance or thought-provoking questions, or only asked you "how does that make you feel?" or "where do you feel that in your body?" Have you been told to "breathe deeply, stay hydrated, practice mindfulness and get rest" and they will see you next session? So, none of this is wrong per se, however, the therapeutic process can be SO much more when a provider listens to understand each client as an individual and for their specific clinical needs and tailors their human and clinical approach, care and treatment.