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

Your first session is primarily about getting comfortable and helping me understand you — not judging you, diagnosing you immediately, or expecting you to share everything at once. Many people feel nervous before the first appointment, so we move at a pace that feels manageable for you. We will start by reviewing consent forms, confidentiality, and your rights in therapy so you know what privacy looks like and when I am required to break confidentiality for safety reasons. You are always welcome to ask questions at any point. Next, I will ask what brought you to therapy right now. You can share as much or as little detail as you want. Some clients come with a specific concern like anxiety, relationship conflict, or trauma triggers; others just know they feel overwhelmed or stuck. Both are completely okay. I may also ask about background information such as relationships, stressors, coping habits, sleep, and emotional patterns to understand the bigger picture of your experiences. You do not need to have clear goals yet. Part of the first session is helping you figure out what you want relief or change from. Together we will begin identifying priorities and what progress would look like for you personally. Before we end, we will talk about how I work and what therapy might look like moving forward — whether that includes skill building, processing past experiences, or a combination of both. I may also offer one small coping or grounding strategy you can try between sessions so you leave with something practical. Most importantly, the first session is a conversation, not an interrogation. My role is to create a safe, collaborative space where you feel heard and supported while we decide if I am the right fit for your needs.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a safe, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly heard and understood. Many clients remark that they immediately sense my genuine presence, warmth, and attunement, which allows them to open up more freely and explore difficult emotions without fear of criticism. I am highly observant, noticing subtle cues in body language, tone, and energy, which helps me tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs and pace. My therapeutic approach is both integrative and collaborative. I draw from evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Brainspotting, and psychodynamic and solution-focused strategies. I combine these approaches in a way that is practical, insightful, and deeply attuned to each client’s goals and readiness for change. Clients often notice that my sessions balance skill-building and emotional processing, providing immediate coping strategies while also addressing the deeper patterns that maintain distress. Another strength is my focus on results. I help clients clarify achievable goals and track progress in ways that feel meaningful and motivating. Whether the goal is emotional regulation, improved relationships, trauma processing, or self-confidence, I work with clients to measure change not just in session, but in daily life. I also emphasize empowering clients with tools and strategies they can use independently, fostering lasting change beyond therapy. What stands out most about my approach is this combination of empathy, insight, and practical skill. Clients frequently report feeling more self-aware, resilient, and capable of managing challenges after working with me. I help them move from simply surviving or reacting to stress, to actively understanding themselves, making intentional choices, and cultivating greater peace, clarity, and fulfillment in their lives.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal client is someone who feels overwhelmed internally but is still functioning on the outside. They may appear responsible, dependable, and “put together” to others, yet privately struggle with anxiety, overthinking, emotional exhaustion, or unresolved past experiences. Many have spent years being the strong one for family or friends and are now realizing they have little space to process their own emotions. They are not necessarily in crisis, but they know something is not working anymore. These clients often come to therapy feeling stuck in patterns — people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, avoidance, emotional shutdown, or reactive conflict in relationships. They may struggle with self-doubt, intrusive thoughts, or intense emotional reactions they don’t fully understand. Some have trauma histories, while others simply feel chronically stressed, disconnected, or burnt out. They frequently say things like, “I know why I feel this way but I can’t change it,” or “I’m tired of reacting the same way every time.” They are best positioned for my services when they are open to self-reflection and willing to look beneath surface behaviors. They do not need to have everything figured out, but they have curiosity about themselves and a desire for change. Many are new to therapy or returning after realizing short-term coping strategies were not enough. They value a therapist who is supportive but also gently challenges patterns that keep them stuck. Their goals often include learning emotional regulation, reducing anxiety, improving communication, and building healthier relationships. Some want relief from triggers connected to past experiences, while others want to understand why they overthink, shut down, or become overwhelmed so easily. They want practical coping skills, but also deeper insight — not just symptom relief, but personal growth. Many want to feel more present, confident, and in control of their reactions rather than ruled by them. I work especially well with clients who want both structure and emotional depth. They benefit from an integrative approach that combines skill-building with processing. Techniques such as grounding, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral change help stabilize daily functioning, while deeper exploration helps resolve underlying emotional patterns. Clients who appreciate collaboration tend to thrive; they want therapy to feel like a partnership rather than advice-giving. By the end of treatment, these clie