Get to know me

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

Starting therapy is a courageous step toward healing, growth, and improved well-being. Whether you're seeking individual, couples, or family therapy, your first session is an opportunity to begin building a relationship based on trust, safety, and collaboration. A Warm and Supportive Welcome The first session is all about getting to know you—not just your challenges, but also your strengths, values, and goals. I strive to create a calm, respectful, and non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable sharing your story at your own pace. You do not need to have everything figured out before walking in. You don’t need to know exactly how to explain what you’re feeling. Many clients come to their first session feeling anxious, uncertain, or overwhelmed—and that’s okay. It’s my job to help you feel at ease and guide the conversation gently and respectfully. Understanding Your Concerns In this initial session, I will invite you to share what has brought you to therapy. You might talk about recent stressors, ongoing struggles, difficult emotions, or relationship issues. Whether you're experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, navigating trauma or grief, or facing challenges in your relationship or family life, I want to understand what you're going through. For couples and families, the first session may include all parties together, or we may begin with one partner or family member, depending on your comfort level and the nature of your concerns. I’ll guide the structure in a way that supports open, constructive conversation and helps us identify shared goals. Gathering Background Information To fully understand your situation, I may ask about your personal history, current living circumstances, past experiences with therapy, and other relevant areas such as family dynamics, physical health, or cultural background. This information helps me begin forming a comprehensive picture of your needs and how best to support you. That said, you are always in control of what you choose to share. You will never be pressured to discuss anything before you’re ready. Your pace is honored and respected. Clarifying Goals for Therapy Together, we’ll begin to define what you hope to get out of therapy. For some clients, the goal is symptom relief—feeling less anxious, sad, or overwhelmed. For others, it might be developing healthier communication patterns, healing past wounds, setting boundaries, or rediscovering purpose. Your goals will shape the focus of our wo

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What sets my therapeutic approach apart is the balance I strike between compassionate presence and practical, evidence-based strategies. I create a space where clients feel deeply heard and respected, while also helping them make meaningful, lasting changes. I draw from a range of clinical methods—including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, narrative therapy, and family systems approaches—to tailor treatment to each individual, couple, or family. Sessions are active, collaborative, and goal-oriented. Whether we're addressing emotional pain, building communication skills, or working through complex trauma, I work alongside clients to ensure the process feels empowering—not overwhelming. Many clients tell me they appreciate how I bring warmth, structure, and flexibility into each session. They often begin to notice shifts in how they think, feel, and relate to others within the first few weeks. My goal is to help people not only cope but also grow—so they can reconnect with themselves and each other, and move toward a life that reflects their values and strengths.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Whether you’re seeking individual, couples, or family therapy, I provide a supportive space to help you work through challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, feeling overwhelmed, or difficulties in communication. In our early sessions, I’ll take time to truly listen and understand your concerns. From there, we’ll work together to create a plan that supports healing, strengthens relationships, and helps you move forward with greater clarity and resilience. Many individuals, couples, and families begin to experience relief from symptoms or improvements in communication within the first few weeks, with ongoing progress as therapy continues.