I am a compassionate and dedicated licensed marriage and family therapist with years of experience in helping individuals navigate life's challenges and discover their inner strengths. My approach is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and a deep respect for each client's unique journey. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, I provide a supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions, gain insight into patterns that may be holding you back, and develop practical strategies for creating positive change in your life. My goal is to empower you to cultivate greater resilience, self-awareness, and well-being.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
First sessions can be nerve-wrecking at times, even for people who have never been to therapy. To make the process as "easy" as possible, I like to start out with getting to know you and your history. Within in 60 minutes, I want to know everything: your family history, quality of relationships with family, schooling, health, friends, relationships, hobbies, and even about your pets. Once we get past my many questions, then we can dip your toes into the reason for coming to therapy. This would be a great time to discuss goals and what it is you're looking from me. I tell people often that therapy is a lot like dating; sometimes it takes a bit to find the right fit. While I hope I am, I do not want to put pressure on you to stick with me just because I am your first pick. If you feel like our vibes are not connecting, it is completely fine to let me know to refer or find someone else. I will not be upset at you. To make therapy work, I need your trust. If that will be hard to do with me, it is okay to find someone else who may be easier to trust.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am an empathic person. When I have someone sitting across from me in a room (or through a computer), I can feel their emotions. It sounds witchy or spiritual but honestly, I find it to be a great tool for connecting with my clients. You may see me cry with you as you talk about tough stories or get angry when someone treats you terribly. I take pride on being open and culturally aware. As a white woman, I have taken responsibility to learn about the privilege my heritage has given me. I also have learned, and continued to, how history has not been friendly to minorities who have not had the same privileges as myself. Therefore, I want to empower minorities and be along side with them as they go through the extra hurdles in life. I cannot change society but I can give the support that is needed to show society that it is unfair to cause extra, unneeded stress on people who are different from them. Being a marriage and family therapist, my education in systemic therapy gives a different insight compared to others. I believe family of origin creates a huge impact on people. The type of relationship you have with your parents or caregivers sets the tone for the rest of your relationships, even peers. With me, you will learn how to see themes or consequences of family's actions on your life. Then we will learn to overcome them. The same techniques I teach couples (communication, understanding, and vulnerability) can also transfer into individual sessions.