Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Your first session with me is designed to help you feel comfortable, understood, and supported from the start. We’ll begin by talking about what brought you to counseling and the challenges or goals you want to focus on. I’ll ask questions and listen carefully so I can understand your perspective and what’s most important to you—this is where Motivational Interviewing comes in, helping you explore your own reasons for change. We’ll also start looking at patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. This helps you begin to notice what’s working, what isn’t, and where small changes could make a meaningful difference. Throughout the session, my goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can share openly, feel heard, and start building strategies to address your concerns. By the end of the first session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how we’ll work together, what therapy might look like for you, and the next steps for making progress toward your goals. Knowing what to expect can bring peace of mind and help you feel more confident as you begin this journey.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths as a mental health counselor is my ability to meet clients where they are—without judgment—and guide them toward meaningful change at a pace that feels safe and sustainable. Over the past 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with adults facing a wide range of challenges, including substance use, trauma, anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Through this experience, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the patterns, struggles, and ambivalence that often accompany the desire to change. This understanding allows me to create a supportive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to take the next step in their journey. What stands out about my approach is my integration of evidence-based methods tailored to each individual’s needs. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), which complement each other in powerful ways. With CBT, I help clients recognize the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This allows us to identify unhelpful patterns and develop practical strategies to address them. Through MI, I focus on strengthening intrinsic motivation and empowering clients to make choices that are aligned with their values, rather than feeling pressured or judged. Combining these methods helps clients gain both insight and actionable tools for change, fostering confidence and autonomy throughout the therapeutic process. Another strength that distinguishes my work is my ability to create a collaborative relationship with clients. I believe that therapy is most effective when it is a partnership: clients bring their lived experience, insight, and goals, and I bring guidance, structure, and therapeutic expertise. By listening deeply, asking thoughtful questions, and providing feedback in a compassionate way, I help clients feel supported while encouraging reflection and growth. This collaborative approach often results in clients feeling more motivated, understood, and capable of navigating challenges in their daily lives. My experience over 12 years has also taught me the importance of flexibility and personalization in therapy. Every client comes with unique life experiences, strengths, and challenges, and what works for one person may not work for another. I tailor my approach to each client, blending structured interventions with genuine empathy. This flexibility helps me work effectively with clients who may feel uncertain or ambivalent ab

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am best positioned to serve clients who are ready to invest in themselves, even if that readiness feels small or uncertain right now. My dream clients are those who recognize that something isn’t working—whether it’s unhealthy coping patterns, strained relationships, or repeated cycles that leave them feeling frustrated—and are willing to take an honest look at their lives. You might be struggling with challenges related to substance use, experiencing the lingering effects of trauma, or facing life changes that feel daunting, like career transitions, relationship struggles, or loss. You might also feel ambivalent at times, questioning whether change is possible or wondering where to start. That’s completely normal, and it’s exactly the place where therapy can make the biggest difference. Many of the clients I work with share common concerns and experiences. You may feel trapped by old habits or patterns, have difficulty managing stress, or notice that your relationships are strained or unfulfilling. You might feel isolated or misunderstood, unsure how to ask for help or hesitant to rely on others. Sometimes, you may feel motivated to change, yet find yourself pulled back into familiar behaviors that no longer serve you. These patterns can leave you feeling stuck, frustrated, or even hopeless at times. The good news is that these experiences are not a reflection of failure—they are signals that support, guidance, and new tools could help you create a different path forward. In therapy, my goal is to help you break down these patterns and build healthier habits that are sustainable and meaningful for you. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help you better understand the connections between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. With CBT, we work together to identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more balanced, practical ways of thinking that support your goals. MI helps you explore your own motivation for change in a way that feels authentic, empowering, and client-centered—so that you’re making choices based on what truly matters to you, rather than feeling pressured or judged. Clients who benefit most from working with me often share a willingness to explore themselves honestly, even when it feels uncomfortable. You might be self-reflective, curious about why you think and act the way you do, or open to trying new strategies to create the change you want.

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