New to Grow
I’m a clinical psychologist based in Ohio who works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, identity concerns, and the pressure to “have it all together.” I take a genuinely collaborative approach to therapy and put a lot of care into building a strong, trusting relationship where you don’t have to censor yourself. My work is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which means we’ll focus less on “fixing” or fighting your feelings and more on getting clear about your values and building a life that feels meaningful to you. Instead of trying to shut emotions down, I help clients learn how to make space for feelings, respond with compassion, and use practical coping skills to stay present and move toward what matters most. I’ve spent much of my career working with college and graduate students, so I’m familiar with the unique stressors of academic life, emerging adulthood, and major life transitions. I approach therapy through a lens of cultural humility, actively honoring how your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, religion or spirituality, class background, and other identities shape your experiences. I work to create a space where your culture and identities are not just “respected,” but meaningfully integrated into our work together, and where your values and lived experience guide our goals and the way we move through therapy. As a Certified Geek Therapist, I enjoy working with clients whose “geeky” interests—like video games, anime, superheroes, board games, and TTRPGs—are a meaningful part of their lives. Together, we can use your fandoms and favorite stories as tools for insight, coping, and growth, treating them as strengths rather than quirks you have to hide in therapy.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, my main goal is to start building a genuine, collaborative connection with you, not to rush into “fixing” things. I’ll spend time getting to know what’s bringing you in now, what your life looks like day to day, and what you’re hoping might feel different. We’ll go at your pace, and you’re always welcome to say if something feels like too much or not enough detail. I’ll ask about your history, identities, and important relationships so we can understand how your culture, background, and lived experiences shape what you’re going through and what you want from therapy. I see you as the expert on your own life, so I’ll be checking in regularly, “Does this fit?” “What are we missing?” and inviting your feedback as we go. You can expect questions about your values (what matters most to you) and how your thoughts and emotions show up when you’re stressed. I’ll also explain how I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and, if it fits you, how we might incorporate your interests—like games, fandoms, or other “geeky” passions—into the work. By the end of the first session, we’ll collaboratively outline some initial goals and decide together whether it feels like a good fit to keep working.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What tends to stand out about my approach is the balance of depth, practicality, and genuine collaboration. I work from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) lens, so instead of focusing on “getting rid” of thoughts and feelings, I help you relate to them differently—making more room for your internal experience while taking concrete steps toward a life that fits your values. This often means using very practical, skills-based tools (like grounding, defusion, and values-based action plans) alongside deeper exploration of your history, identities, and relationships. Cultural humility is central to how I practice. I don’t assume I fully understand your experience based on labels alone; I stay curious about how your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, class background, and other aspects of identity shape what safety, healing, and “progress” look like for you. I invite your feedback and treat therapy as something we co-create, not something I do to you. As a Certified Geek Therapist, I also integrate clients’ “geeky” interests- video games, anime, superheroes, TTRPGs, and more—when it fits. We might use storylines, characters, or game mechanics as metaphors for your own challenges and strengths, turning the things you love into powerful tools for insight, coping, and change.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I’m best positioned to work with adults who feel ready (or at least curious) to try something different, even if part of them is scared or unsure. I tend to work well with people who are thoughtful, introspective, and open to looking at how their histories, cultures, and identities shape both the problems they’re facing and the changes they want to make. This includes paying attention to how race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, class background, and other lived experiences show up in the therapy room and in daily life. My approach is a good fit if you’re willing to experiment—trying new coping skills, shifting how you respond to your thoughts and emotions, and exploring what truly matters to you beneath the pressure to meet everyone else’s expectations. I especially enjoy working with clients who value authenticity and a bit of humor in the room, and who are interested in learning how to take their minds less literally while still taking their lives, values, and communities seriously. If you’re looking for a space where all parts of you are welcome and where we can collaboratively build a life that feels more aligned with who you are, we’re likely to be a strong match.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of therapy that helps you build a different relationship with your thoughts and feelings so they have less power to control your life. Instead of trying to get rid of difficult emotions, we focus on making room for them, staying present, and taking actions that move you toward your core values and the kind of life you want. In our work, you’ll learn practical mindfulness and coping skills while we clarify what truly matters to you and use that as the compass for change.