New to Grow
With over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families, I specialize in mental health and substance use disorders. My approach to counseling is client-centered, strength-based, and solution-focused, and I strongly believe in meeting people exactly where they are—without judgment and with genuine respect. I strive to create a comfortable, supportive space where clients feel safe being themselves and talking openly about what they’re going through. I see therapy as a collaborative process, where we work together to better understand challenges, build practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change. My goal is to help clients feel empowered, supported, and hopeful as they move toward greater balance and emotional wellness.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a comfortable, trusting therapeutic relationship. We will talk about what brings you to therapy at this time, the challenges you may be experiencing, and what you hope to gain from our work together. You are welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing—there is no pressure to tell your entire story right away. I will ask questions to better understand your background, current concerns, strengths, and supports so that we can develop a clear picture of your needs and goals. We will also review important information such as confidentiality, therapy expectations, and any questions you may have about the counseling process. My goal is to create a safe, respectful, and judgment-free space where you feel heard and supported. Together, we will begin identifying priorities and discuss initial steps toward meaningful change and emotional wellness.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths include building trusting therapeutic relationships, creating emotional safety for clients during vulnerable moments, and helping individuals identify practical, achievable pathways toward change. I am known for my ability to balance compassion with honesty, offering direct yet supportive feedback that empowers clients to gain insight and move forward with confidence. My extensive clinical experience allows me to effectively assess complex emotional and behavioral concerns, support crisis stabilization, and guide clients toward sustainable coping strategies and long-term wellness.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work well with anyone who is ready—or beginning to feel ready—to explore change, healing, and personal growth. They may be experiencing challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, life transitions, relationship stress, or self-esteem, and are seeking a supportive space to better understand themselves and develop healthier ways of coping. Many of the individuals I work best with are motivated to improve their emotional well-being but may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin. They value honest and open conversation, practical tools, and a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Whether a client is new to therapy or returning after past experiences, I welcome those who are open to self-reflection, skill-building, and taking gradual steps toward lasting change. I especially enjoy working with individuals who want to build resilience, strengthen boundaries, heal from past experiences, and develop greater confidence and balance in their daily lives. My role is to meet clients where they are, support their goals, and help them move forward at a pace that feels safe and achievable.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical strategies to challenge and reframe them. CBT allows us to set clear, achievable goals and focus on building skills that clients can apply in their daily lives. My approach is collaborative, structured, and tailored to each individual’s unique needs and experiences.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop greater psychological flexibility and live more fully in alignment with their values. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts and emotions, we work on changing the relationship to them—building skills in mindfulness, acceptance, and cognitive defusion. I support clients in clarifying what truly matters to them and taking meaningful, values-based action, even in the presence of discomfort.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients build practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and reducing impulsive behaviors. We focus on core DBT skills—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—to increase stability and resilience. I balance acceptance and change by validating clients’ experiences while also supporting them in making meaningful behavioral shifts. My approach is structured, skills-based, and tailored to each client’s specific goals and challenges.