New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I help clients navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship struggles, anger, and difficult life transitions in a practical, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, break unhealthy patterns, develop healthier coping skills, and move toward lasting emotional healing and stronger relationships.
During the first session, we will spend time getting to know each other, discussing your current concerns, and exploring what has brought you to counseling at this point in your life. I will ask questions about your background, relationships, stressors, emotional health, and goals for therapy so we can begin building a treatment plan that fits your specific needs. The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions, share what you hope to gain from therapy, and determine whether we feel like a good fit to work together. My approach is supportive, practical, and collaborative. There is no pressure to share everything immediately, and we will move at a pace that feels safe and productive for you.
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with clients in a genuine, down-to-earth, and nonjudgmental way. Many clients come into therapy feeling overwhelmed, emotionally guarded, discouraged, or unsure where to start. I work to create an environment where clients feel heard, respected, and supported while also being challenged toward meaningful growth and healthier patterns. I have extensive experience working with trauma, addiction, anxiety, family conflict, relationship struggles, adolescents, and emotional regulation issues. I am certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a trauma-focused approach that helps clients process painful experiences and reduce the emotional intensity connected to traumatic memories. I also bring a strong family systems perspective into my work, helping clients better understand how past experiences, relationships, communication patterns, and family dynamics continue to impact their present life. Clients often appreciate my practical approach, direct communication style, and focus on helping them develop tools they can use outside of session to create real and lasting change.
I work best with teens, adults, couples, and families who feel emotionally stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or exhausted from trying to manage life on their own. Many of my clients are struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, addiction, relationship conflict, low self-esteem, or difficult family dynamics and are looking for practical tools and meaningful long-term change. I especially enjoy working with clients who are motivated for growth, open to self-reflection, and willing to explore how past experiences, relationships, and unhealthy patterns may still be affecting their present life. I work well with individuals who may feel guarded, discouraged, emotionally shut down, or uncertain where to begin, but who genuinely want healing, clarity, and healthier relationships. My practice is also a strong fit for men who may not have felt comfortable opening up in traditional counseling environments, individuals navigating recovery or major life transitions, couples wanting to improve communication and connection, and clients seeking trauma-focused care through approaches such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). For clients who desire it, I can also integrate Christian faith and spirituality into the counseling process.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify unhealthy thought patterns, emotional triggers, and behaviors that may be contributing to anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, or relationship struggles. CBT focuses on recognizing the connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions while developing healthier coping strategies. In sessions, I work collaboratively with clients to challenge distorted thinking, improve emotional regulation, strengthen communication skills, and build practical tools they can use in everyday life. CBT is especially effective for clients who want structured strategies and measurable progress toward their goals.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to help clients improve emotional regulation, distress tolerance, communication, and relationship skills. DBT can be especially beneficial for individuals who experience intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, conflict in relationships, self-destructive patterns, or difficulty managing stress. In my practice, I use DBT skills in a practical and supportive way to help clients slow down emotional reactions, increase self-awareness, and respond more effectively during difficult situations. Clients often find DBT helpful for building stability, improving boundaries, and learning healthier ways to cope with overwhelming emotions.
Family Therapy
With over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, adolescents, and families, I often incorporate Family Systems Therapy into my work. This approach looks at how family dynamics, communication patterns, upbringing, and relationships influence emotional health and behavior. In therapy, I help clients identify unhealthy relational patterns, improve communication, strengthen boundaries, and better understand how past family experiences may still impact present relationships. This approach can help individuals, couples, and families create healthier and more supportive connections moving forward.
Christian Counseling
For clients who desire it, I offer Christian counseling as part of the therapeutic process. This can include integrating faith, values, prayer, forgiveness work, and spiritual discussions into treatment while still using clinically sound therapeutic approaches. My goal is never to force beliefs onto clients, but to provide a safe space where faith and mental health can be addressed together when that is important to the individual or family seeking counseling.