I'm a licensed psychologist who's worked in a variety of settings, from college counseling centers to anxiety clinics to hospitals, and what I've learned is that everyone's different. There's no "one size fits all" approach to therapy. I have experience helping people deal with anxiety and OCD, as well as a number of other challenges. Before I became a psychologist, I was a teacher at both the elementary and high school levels. I love being able to work with people who are trying to become the best versions of themselves.
Our first session is about getting to know each other and hopefully helping you feel comfortable. I'll ask you to share what brought you to therapy and what you're hoping for from our work together, but there's no pressure to have it all figured out or to dive into anything too heavy right away. I'm more interested in trying to understand you as a person - what's going on in your life, what feels challenging, and what matters most to you. You can expect me to ask some basic questions about your background and current situation, and I hope it feels more like a conversation rather than an interrogation. I'll also take time to explain how I work and answer any questions you might have about therapy. Most importantly, I hope you'll get a sense of who I am, how I work, and if we are a good fit.
My goal is to help people feel genuinely comfortable being themselves - no masks, no performance, just who they really are. I try to create that kind of ease where deeper conversations can actually happen. My years as a teacher taught me a lot about the pressure people feel to have it all figured out, and I bring that understanding into therapy. I work to help clients sit with anxiety and uncertainty - instead of fighting against it. My specialized training in anxiety and OCD treatment has helped me learn how to stay calm and grounded when clients are going through intense emotions.
I enjoy working with people who are open to exploring themselves honestly and willing to sit with uncertainty. Often, my clients are navigating major life transitions - college students questioning their path, recent graduates feeling overwhelmed by "real world" expectations, or young adults balancing different parts of their identity. I particularly love working with adolescents and young adults who are figuring out who they want to be, as well as couples who are working to strengthen their relationship and communication. I have expertise supporting individuals with acute anxiety and the exhausting cycles of worry and avoidance that can keep people stuck.
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles in my work, but I keep things pretty person-centered and relaxed. I'm all about creating a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore whatever's on your mind at your own pace. I'm not big on rigid exercises or homework—I believe more in genuine connection and trusting that you already have what it takes to grow. Together, we'll focus on helping you create the life you want to live, even in the face of life's inevitable challenges.
I practice person-centered therapy because I believe you're the expert on your own life and have the capacity for growth. I try to create a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without worrying about criticism or unwanted advice. Rather than directing our sessions, I focus on listening and reflecting back what I hear, hoping to help you gain clarity and discover your own insights.
I have experience working with both adolescents and adults who have OCD using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This approach combines behavioral principles with person-centered techniques to help you gradually face the things that trigger your anxiety while resisting the urge to do compulsions. The goal is to help you break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions so you can get back to living your life on your terms.