New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges. Throughout my career, I have worked with people facing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, family stress, and major life transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that every person has strengths that can be built upon to create meaningful change. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. Together, we will explore the challenges that brought you to therapy, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical strategies to help you move toward your goals. My background includes extensive experience in behavioral health, crisis intervention, care coordination, and clinical supervision, giving me a deep understanding of both emotional well-being and the real-life systems that can impact mental health. Whether you are struggling with stress, navigating a difficult life transition, healing from past experiences, or simply seeking greater balance and fulfillment, I am committed to meeting you where you are and supporting you on your journey.
Starting therapy can feel both hopeful and a little nerve-wracking. During our first session, my primary goal is to get to know you and understand what has brought you to therapy at this point in your life. We will spend time discussing your current concerns, symptoms, stressors, relationships, personal history, and any goals you hope to achieve through therapy. You are welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing. There is no expectation that you have everything figured out or know exactly where to begin. I will also ask questions about your emotional well-being, coping strategies, support system, and any previous experiences with counseling or mental health treatment. This helps me gain a better understanding of your unique circumstances and allows us to develop a plan that is tailored to your needs. The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and determine whether I am a good fit for you as a therapist. Therapy works best when there is a strong sense of trust, safety, and collaboration. By the end of our session, we will identify some initial goals and discuss what future sessions may look like. Most importantly, I want you to leave feeling heard, supported, and with a clearer understanding of how therapy can help you move toward the changes you would like to make in your life.
My approach to therapy is shaped not only by more than 20 years of professional experience in mental health, but also by the experiences that have shaped me as a person. I am a husband, a father, and someone who grew up in a military family, which gave me an early appreciation for change, diversity, resilience, adaptability, and the importance of connection. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals and families facing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, relationship difficulties, parenting struggles, life transitions, and other stressors. In addition to providing therapy, I have supervised clinicians, managed complex behavioral health programs, and worked closely with healthcare systems to help people access the care and support they need. What clients often appreciate is that I understand the realities of balancing life's many roles and responsibilities. Whether you're navigating marriage, parenting, career pressures, caregiving responsibilities, or major life changes, I recognize that mental health doesn't exist in a vacuum. Our experiences, relationships, and environments all play a role in how we cope and grow. As someone who grew up moving frequently and experiencing different communities and cultures, I value curiosity, flexibility, and seeing situations from multiple perspectives. My love of travel has only strengthened that belief. I enjoy learning about people's unique stories and helping them discover new ways of understanding themselves and the challenges they face. My style is warm, practical, and collaborative. I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself, where we can explore difficult topics without judgment, and where we focus not only on insight but also on meaningful, lasting change. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine partnership built on trust, respect, and shared goals.
I enjoy working with clients who are ready to actively collaborate, engage in self-reflection, and put in the work required to shift their behaviors. I have a wealth of experience guiding individuals seeking structured support to navigate mental health struggles (e.g. depression, generalized anxiety, ADHD, and trauma), life transitions (e.g. grief, job loss, divorce, or major academic and career shifts), or relationship challenges (e.g. communication barriers, family dynamic issues, and couples distress).
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Over the course of my counseling career, I have relied largely on the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) treatment method to support structured, goal-oriented talk therapy. I use it to focus on how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. Identifying and challenging unhealthy thought patterns tends to improve overall emotional well-being.