(she/her)
New to Grow
I am a compassionate and culturally sensitive therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s emotional, relational, and personal challenges. As a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision (LISW-S) and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC), I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel heard, respected, and empowered. My approach combines evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) with genuine empathy, practical support, and a deep understanding of resilience and healing. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, and substance use concerns. I also value the importance of cultural identity, faith, and lived experiences in the healing process and offer Christian counseling for clients who wish to incorporate spirituality into therapy. My goal is to help clients develop healthier coping strategies, improve emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and move toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.
During our first session, my goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where you can begin sharing your story at your own pace. The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, discuss what brings you to therapy, and explore the challenges, goals, or concerns you would like support with. I will ask questions about your emotional well-being, current stressors, relationships, personal history, coping strategies, and any symptoms or experiences that may be impacting your daily life. This helps me gain a better understanding of your unique situation so we can begin developing an individualized treatment approach that fits your needs. You can also expect us to discuss your goals for therapy, what has or has not worked for you in the past, and the type of support you are looking for. I believe therapy should feel collaborative, respectful, and supportive, so I encourage questions and open communication throughout the process. My approach is compassionate, culturally sensitive, and grounded in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and other therapeutic approaches tailored to your needs. There is no pressure to share everything at once. Therapy is a process, and we will move at a pace that feels comfortable and safe for you. My hope is that you leave the first session feeling heard, supported, and hopeful about the work we can do together.
What stands out most about my therapeutic approach is the balance I bring between professional clinical training and genuine human connection. I believe therapy is most effective when clients feel emotionally safe, respected, understood, and empowered rather than judged or “fixed.” My work is rooted in compassion, cultural sensitivity, collaboration, and practical skill-building. As a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision (LISW-S) and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC), I have over 15 years of experience working in behavioral health, crisis intervention, substance use treatment, juvenile justice, medical social work, and community-based mental health settings. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional dysregulation, relationship difficulties, grief, suicidal ideation, substance use disorders, life transitions, and complex family dynamics. I use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed care, and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS). However, what makes my approach unique is not only the techniques I use, but how I use them. I focus heavily on helping clients apply therapeutic concepts to real-life situations in practical and meaningful ways. I strive to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and life experiences while building healthier coping skills and emotional resilience. My lived experiences also deeply influence the work I do. As an immigrant woman who has navigated cultural adjustment, adversity, personal loss, identity struggles, family responsibilities, and major life transitions, I understand what it feels like to carry emotional burdens while still trying to survive and move forward. These experiences allow me to connect authentically with many clients who feel misunderstood, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted. Clients often tell me they feel comfortable opening up because they sense genuine empathy, patience, and understanding. I also recognize the important role culture, spirituality, and faith can play in healing. For clients who desire it, I offer Christian counseling and integrate faith-based perspectives into therapy in a respectful and clinically grounded way. Another strength I bring is my ability to work calmly and effectively with individuals experien
My ideal clients are individuals who may feel emotionally overwhelmed, stuck, or burdened by life’s challenges but are open to healing, growth, and self-discovery. I work well with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, life transitions, emotional dysregulation, substance use concerns, and stress related to work, family, or personal identity. I especially connect with individuals who carry significant responsibilities for others while struggling to prioritize their own emotional well-being. Many of my clients are caregivers, professionals, parents, immigrants, or individuals navigating cultural expectations, family dynamics, and feelings of not fully belonging or being understood. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, culturally sensitive, and nonjudgmental. I strive to create a safe therapeutic environment where clients feel respected, heard, and empowered to explore difficult emotions and experiences. I believe healing begins when individuals feel genuinely seen and supported. In my practice, I incorporate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) to help clients build practical coping skills, improve emotional regulation, strengthen relationships, and increase self-awareness. For clients who desire it, I also integrate faith-based perspectives and Christian counseling into treatment. My goal is to help clients move toward greater emotional balance, resilience, confidence, and a stronger sense of purpose and hope.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT to help clients improve emotional regulation, tolerate distress, strengthen relationships, and reduce impulsive or self-defeating behaviors. I focus heavily on practical skill-building and helping clients apply DBT concepts to real-life situations in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.
Christian Counseling
Faith can play an important role in healing and emotional wellness. For clients who desire it, I offer Christian counseling that integrates spiritual values with evidence-based therapy to support emotional growth, resilience, healing, and personal transformation
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My approach incorporates CBT techniques to help clients better understand the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I focus on building practical coping skills, emotional resilience, and healthier thinking patterns to support lasting change and emotional wellness.
Motivational Interviewing
I incorporate Motivational Interviewing techniques to help clients strengthen motivation, overcome barriers to change, and build confidence in reaching personal goals. I provide a compassionate, supportive environment that encourages self-discovery and lasting growth.
Collaborative Management and Assessment of Suicidality (CAMS)
I am trained in CAMS, a collaborative suicide-specific treatment approach that supports individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional pain, and hopelessness. My approach focuses on safety, compassion, emotional understanding, and helping clients reconnect with hope and stability.