LMHC, 1 years of experience
Making the decision and moving forward with seeking therapy is a huge step and usually, it's the biggest challenge in therapy. From the moment you walk through my door, you've already got someone in your corner. I take pride in offering a supportive, calm, accepting, and safe environment for my clients. We will work together to identify thought patterns and behaviors, process your emotions, and explore your values and beliefs. We'll build healthy coping skills together. It may not be easy, but it will certainly be worth it. My education and experience has given me the ability to provide counseling in multiple areas such as depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, family issues, teen/adolescent issues, child issues, ASD, ADHD, among others.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it's completely normal to feel nervous or unsure. The first session is all about getting to know each other and beginning to build a foundation of trust and comfort. Here’s what you can generally expect: Introductions & Relationship Building: We’ll take some time to get to know each other. You’re welcome to share what brought you in, at your own pace. There’s no pressure to tell your whole story right away. Review of Paperwork: We'll go over any intake forms, confidentiality, and policies (like scheduling, fees, and privacy). This is a good time to ask questions about how therapy works. Understanding Your Goals: I’ll ask some questions to better understand what you’re hoping to get out of therapy — whether that’s managing anxiety, building healthier relationships, improving self-care, or something else. Creating a Plan Together: We might begin discussing a direction or approach for our work together. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your voice matters in shaping the path forward. A No-Pressure Environment: Most importantly, this is your space. You are in control of what you choose to share. Feeling safe and respected is a top priority.
In addition to utilizing therapy techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy; I am also trained in and have extensively studied Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I believe the knowledge of ABA adds an additional skill set to teach others coping strategies that feel more hands on and successful with my clients. I also notice that it allows clients to become more mindful of how small environmental changes can make a significate impact in their progress.
Taking the first step toward therapy is something to acknowledge and be proud of. It can feel empowering, overwhelming, or even intimidating — sometimes all at once. Just know: you're not alone in that. I aim to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore the challenges you're facing — whether it’s anxiety, depression, struggles with self-care, or life's challenges. Together, we’ll work on building skills like assertive communication and setting healthy boundaries, both with yourself and with others, to help improve your overall well-being. Therapy can be a space for growth, healing, and discovering what matters most to you. If you’re looking for support in creating a more fulfilling life, I’m here when you’re ready.
I have utilized CBT for over 10 years; I find it to be an effective treatment method for many clients that I interact with. CBT is a collaborative, structured, and goal-oriented therapy that focuses on helping clients identify and alter negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is often used for real-time problem-solving, and clients typically see measurable improvement in a relatively short period. CBT can help individuals identify and challenge negative or distorted thinking patterns and behaviors. In a typical CBT session, I try to guide clients through a structured process of self-reflection, skill-building, and gradual behavior change.
ACT helps individuals create a life that aligns with their values by teaching them to accept and defuse from difficult thoughts and emotions, increase present-moment awareness, and take action toward meaningful goals. My role as the therapist is to guide the client through these processes, using metaphors, experiential exercises, and mindfulness techniques to foster psychological flexibility. I have been utilizing elements of ACT in my practice for the past 7 years.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness, acceptance, and dialectics (the balancing of opposites). DBT is especially effective for individuals struggling with emotion regulation, self-destructive behaviors, and relationship difficulties; it’s often used for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and substance abuse. I have experience in using DBT techniques for over 8 years.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment method specifically designed to help individuals who have experienced trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence. It’s a structured, short-term therapy that integrates elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with trauma-sensitive approaches to help clients process trauma, reduce distressing symptoms, and improve overall functioning. I have experience utilizing TF-CBT for over 10 years.