New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker committed to guiding individuals through life’s most difficult seasons while helping them discover strength, healing, and renewed purpose. My professional experience spans acute psychiatric care, correctional settings, medical hospitals, and community mental health, allowing me to support people with diverse backgrounds and complex needs. I specialize in trauma recovery, grief and bereavement, crisis stabilization, substance use-related concerns, and the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and grief therapy techniques. I also offer faith-based counseling for clients who want to integrate their spirituality into treatment, recognizing the powerful role faith can play in resilience and emotional wellness. I value the unique identity and lived experiences of every client and strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where honesty, vulnerability, and personal growth can occur. I believe that healing is not a one-size-fits-all process. Together, we will explore what is getting in the way of the life you want and build practical skills and insights that support long-lasting change. Whether you are coping with trauma, managing overwhelming emotions, experiencing loss, or simply feeling stuck, I am here to walk alongside you as you move forward with hope and confidence. My goal is to empower you to reclaim your narrative, strengthen your mental health, and live a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session, you can expect a comfortable, judgment-free space where the focus is entirely on you and your needs. We will spend time getting to know one another and exploring what brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping to work on, and any concerns or goals you already have in mind. I will ask questions to better understand your history, current challenges, and strengths, so I can begin forming a treatment approach tailored specifically to you. You are welcome to share at your own pace. There is no pressure to go deeper than you feel ready for, and there are no right or wrong answers. My goal in the first session is to help you feel heard, supported, and understood while giving you a clear picture of how we can move forward together. By the end of the session, we will discuss next steps and begin laying the foundation for progress and healing.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is my ability to balance compassion with honesty. I believe in addressing the root of the issue rather than simply managing surface-level symptoms, and I do so with a direct, supportive communication style that helps clients feel both challenged and encouraged. I integrate evidence-based methods tailored to each person’s unique needs, while also honoring the role that faith and personal values can play in healing for those who desire it. Clients often share that they appreciate how safe, understood, and empowered they feel in sessions, and they notice real progress because the work we do together extends beyond the therapy room into daily life. My goal is not just for clients to cope, but to truly transform; gaining tools, insight, and confidence that support long-term wellness and meaningful change.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal client is someone who is ready to make meaningful changes in their life and understands that therapy is an active process, not a quick fix. They are willing to show up consistently, engage in honest self-reflection, and practice the strategies we discuss outside of sessions. Even when progress feels challenging, they remain committed to the journey and recognize that healing happens over time. They appreciate a therapist who will be direct and truthful with them, offering compassionate honesty rather than sugarcoating difficult topics. This client values accountability and a therapeutic relationship based on mutual respect and openness. They may be experiencing trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, or major life transitions, and although they may feel overwhelmed, they are still motivated to grow, learn, and move forward. They also want a safe space where their values and beliefs can be acknowledged and incorporated into their care when appropriate. My ideal client is not expected to have everything figured out, only to show a willingness to take steps toward becoming the healthiest version of themselves. If you are someone who is tired of feeling stuck and are truly ready to do the work with honesty, commitment, and support, then you are the type of client I am here to serve. Together, we will navigate obstacles, celebrate progress, and build a foundation for lasting change and emotional well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I frequently utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns while developing healthier coping behaviors. I incorporate CBT techniques such as thought reframing, behavioral activation, and structured coping skills to support clients in achieving measurable treatment goals. This approach allows me to provide collaborative, solution-focused care across a variety of mental health settings.
Grief Therapy
I utilize grief therapy to help clients process loss at their own pace while validating the emotional complexity that accompanies bereavement. My approach includes supporting clients in identifying their unique grief reactions, exploring meaning-making, and incorporating healthy coping strategies that honor the loss without becoming stuck in it. I apply this intervention across a range of settings, helping individuals rebuild stability, connection, and hope as they navigate life after loss.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I use Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help clients identify strengths, highlight what is already working, and set clear, attainable goals for change. In sessions, I incorporate techniques such as scaling questions, miracle questions, and future-focused language to promote insight and rapid progress. This approach is especially valuable in crisis and short-term settings where clients benefit from practical, empowering strategies that create immediate movement toward improvement.
Faith based therapy
I provide faith-based therapy for clients who desire to integrate their spiritual beliefs into the healing process, ensuring their values and faith traditions are respected and central to treatment. I incorporate prayer, scripture, and spiritual coping strategies when appropriate, helping clients draw strength, meaning, and resilience from their faith. This approach allows clients to feel more aligned, supported, and empowered as they work toward emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I use Trauma-Focused CBT to help individuals process traumatic experiences in a safe and structured way while reducing trauma-related symptoms such as anxiety, avoidance, and intrusive thoughts. My work includes cognitive restructuring, gradual exposure, and skills building (e.g., grounding, emotional regulation) to help clients regain a sense of control and safety. This approach empowers clients to reframe trauma narratives, strengthen resilience, and move forward with improved functioning and confidence.