New to Grow
First, I want to take a moment to celebrate you for taking the first steps on your therapy journey. Whether this is your 1st time or 100th time, we can celebrate that you are showing up for yourself. I graduated from the University of Florida with a BS in Psychology, MEd in Mental Health Counseling, and an EdS degree. I also have a Sports Psychology Coach certification. My clinical experience ranges from outpatient therapy for ages 3+ to crisis counseling at a children’s psychiatric hospital.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
It is important to acknowledge everyone experiences life differently, and all those experiences add up to who you are today and the lens through which you view life. Recognizing this, the first session is a decent amount of questions exploring your world and who you are so that I can conceptualize what's happening from your point of view, ultimately making me a more effective, culturally sensitive counselor. WIthout this, I would be observing your life from my life experience lens, which would not be nearly as effective and can feel dismissive.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
While growing can be hard and sometimes scary, it should also be fun and celebrated. It's my priority to ensure that no matter how hard therapy may get, we will smile and/or laugh at some point every session. My only expectation for therapy is that you show up just as you are, and, when you feel ready, be transparent and honest. After all, I’m legally bound to be a "professional secret keeper". My only agenda in therapy is to collaborate to meet your agenda.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I love working with high school and college-age students who are exploring their values, preparing for or are in life transitions into adulthood, and all the anxieties, excitements, and identity crises associated with this age group. I also thoroughly enjoy working with current and former athletes.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I take a strengths-based, person-centered approach to therapy. Everyone deserves someone wholeheartedly in their corner, and it would be an honor to walk alongside you through anything you bring to therapy. While I may have the education and training, I believe you are the expert of your life. You are the only one who has walked in your shoes, and you are the only one who is still walking in them. I am here to explore all your thoughts and feelings with you, not tell you what to think or feel.