LPC, 14 years of experience
Hey, I'm Chris, a licensed professional counselor. I became an LPC out of a desire to obtain some depth of knowledge about severe & persistent mental illnesses, as some of my family members live with mood, anxiety and trauma symptoms. I've been able to witness both sides of the same coin-- the negative impact on the family & individual but also the personal growth of the individual. I've worked in various clinical settings, including inpatient hospitals, Emergency Departments, private practice & jails/prisons where I have learned that mental health (severe/persistent or everyday stressors) affects people from all walks of life and that with the emotional boost that therapy can provide, everyone can get a fair shot at attaining their respective mental wellness.
During our first session together, my goal is to help you feel comfortable, heard, and supported. We’ll take some time to get to know each other, discuss what brings you to therapy, and explore what you hope to work on. I’ll ask questions to better understand your history, current challenges, strengths, and goals, but you’re always in control of what you choose to share. We’ll also talk about what therapy can look like moving forward — including pacing, structure, and any preferences you have. By the end of the session, you should have a clearer sense of how we can work together and what next steps might be helpful. Most importantly, this first appointment is a safe space for you to show up as you are, without pressure or judgment.
I believe that we all are equipped with our own unique set of coping skills (strengths) that we may need guidance tapping into. I also believe it best practice to see the individual with respect to the various systems (identities) of which they may be part of. Lastly, I believe that in order to affect change, we have to understand and explore the relationship between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
I welcome clients from all backgrounds and identities, with a special commitment to supporting people from marginalized and oppressed communities. My ideal client is anyone seeking a safe, affirming space to explore their story, navigate challenges, and move toward healing and growth. Whether you’re dealing with stress, identity concerns, trauma, or simply wanting support and clarity, I meet you where you are. You don’t need to have everything figured out — just a willingness to show up and explore your journey at your own pace.
I use CBT in a down-to-earth, practical way. Together, we look at how your thoughts influence your feelings and behaviors, and we work on small, manageable shifts that can make life feel lighter and more workable. I help you notice patterns that may be holding you back, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and practice new skills that support your goals. CBT gives us tools you can use right away in daily life, and we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable and realistic for you.
With CPT, I help you gently explore how past trauma has shaped the way you see yourself, others, and the world. Together, we identify beliefs that may feel stuck or painful, and work to shift them in a way that supports healing. CPT is structured but flexible, and I move at your pace. The goal is to reduce the impact of traumatic memories, build new, healthier ways of thinking, and help you feel more grounded, empowered, and in control of your life.
With DBT, I focus on helping you balance acceptance and change. We work on skills that make day-to-day life more manageable — like calming intense emotions, communicating clearly, staying present, and making choices that support your wellbeing. I break the skills down in a practical, easy-to-use way, and we practice them together so they feel doable, not overwhelming. DBT is about building tools that help you feel more grounded, more in control, and more connected to yourself and others.
With SFBT, I help you focus on what’s working, what’s possible, and what you want your life to look like. Instead of staying stuck in the problem, we explore your strengths, resources, and small steps that can lead to meaningful change. I ask questions that help you imagine your preferred future and identify what you’re already doing that moves you toward it. This approach is collaborative, hopeful, and practical — helping you build momentum and confidence, one step at a time.