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

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. My goal in our first session is to create a space where you feel comfortable, respected, and able to show up as you are—without pressure or judgment. Whether you’re an adolescent, adult, or part of a couple, the first session is about getting to know you, understanding what brings you in, and beginning to shape a path forward together. We’ll start by talking about what led you to seek therapy at this point in your life. You might be dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or simply feeling stuck and unsure of your next steps. You don’t need to have everything clearly defined—many clients come in with a general sense that something isn’t working, and that’s more than enough to begin. I’ll ask questions to better understand your current concerns, your experiences, and what you hope will be different as a result of therapy. At the same time, I’m not just focused on challenges—I’m also interested in your strengths. My approach is strength-based and solution-focused, which means we will begin identifying what is already working in your life, even in small ways. This helps us create a foundation for change that feels realistic and achievable. Early on, we’ll also begin to explore your goals. What would progress look like for you? What would feel different if therapy were helpful? These questions help guide our work in a clear and meaningful direction. If you’re coming in as part of a couple or family, the first session will also focus on understanding each person’s perspective. I work to ensure that everyone feels heard and respected, while also identifying patterns in communication and interaction. From there, we can begin to look at ways to strengthen connection, improve communication, and move out of unhelpful cycles. Throughout the session, you can expect a collaborative and conversational experience. I view you as the expert in your own life, so this is not a process where you’ll be told what to do or judged for your experiences. Instead, we work together to better understand what’s happening and begin identifying practical steps forward. You’re also encouraged to ask questions at any point—about the process, my approach, or anything else that would help you feel more comfortable. My background includes 13 years of experience supporting military sexual trauma survivors in a non-clinical role, which has shaped my commitment to providing a trauma-informed and respectful space. I am mindful of how important it is for you to feel safe and in control, especially when discussing personal or difficult experiences. We will move at a pace that feels right for you, and you always have the ability to share only what you’re ready to share. Another important part of the first session is setting expectations for how therapy will move forward. I use a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy approach, which means our work will be goal-oriented and focused on creating meaningful progress. Together, we’ll begin identifying small, manageable steps you can take between sessions. Many clients find it helpful to leave the first session with a clearer sense of direction and something practical they can begin working on right away. By the end of the session, you can expect to have a better understanding of how we might work together and whether the approach feels like a good fit for you. Therapy is a collaborative relationship, and it’s important that you feel comfortable and supported. You may also begin to notice a sense of relief simply from having a space to talk openly and feel heard. Ultimately, the first session is about starting the process—not having everything figured out. You don’t need to come in with perfect clarity or a complete plan. You just need a willingness to begin. My role is to meet you where you are, support you in identifying your strengths, and help you take meaningful steps toward the changes you want to see in your life.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What stands out most about my therapeutic approach is the balance I aim to create between compassion and practicality. I believe therapy should be a place where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and understood—but it should also be a place where real, meaningful progress happens. From the very beginning, my goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment while also helping you take clear, manageable steps toward the changes you want in your life. At the core of my work is the belief that you are the expert in your own life. You know your experiences, your values, and your goals better than anyone else. Because of this, I take a collaborative approach to therapy. Rather than telling you what to do or offering one-size-fits-all solutions, I work alongside you to explore what’s working, what’s not, and what direction feels most meaningful for you. This creates a sense of ownership in the process and allows therapy to feel more empowering and personalized. My methods are rooted in a strength-based, solution-focused approach. This means that while we absolutely make space to understand the challenges you’re facing—whether that’s anxiety, depression, or relationship struggles—we don’t stay stuck there. Instead, we actively look for exceptions to the problem, moments when things feel even slightly better, and strengths you may not yet fully recognize. These become the building blocks for change. One of the benefits of this approach is that it helps create momentum early in the process. Many clients come into therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or discouraged, especially if they’ve been dealing with the same challenges for a long time. By focusing on what is already working, we begin to shift that sense of stuckness into movement. Together, we identify clear, realistic goals and break them down into small, achievable steps. This allows you to begin seeing progress sooner, which can build confidence and motivation to keep going. Another key aspect of my approach is that it is highly practical. Therapy is not just about insight—it’s about what you can take with you and apply in your everyday life. Whether we’re working on managing anxiety, improving communication in a relationship, or navigating a difficult life transition, I aim to ensure that each session provides something useful. This might be a new perspective, a specific strategy, or a small step you can try between sessions. Over time, these small steps add up to meaningful, lasting change. When working with individuals, I focus on helping you better understand your patterns, build emotional awareness, and develop tools that support your well-being. You may begin to notice changes such as feeling more in control of your emotions, having greater clarity in your decision-making, and experiencing less overwhelm in situations that previously felt difficult. The goal is not to eliminate challenges entirely, but to help you feel more capable and confident in navigating them. In my work with couples, I bring the same collaborative and solution-focused mindset to the relationship. Many couples come to therapy feeling stuck in cycles of miscommunication, conflict, or disconnection. Rather than focusing only on what’s going wrong, we identify moments when the relationship is working and build from there. We work on improving communication, increasing understanding, and developing practical ways to reduce tension and strengthen connection. Couples often find that this approach helps them feel more like a team again, rather than feeling stuck on opposite sides of the problem. My background also includes 13 years of experience supporting military sexual trauma survivors in a non-clinical role. This has had a significant impact on how I show up as a therapist. It has deepened my commitment to creating a space that is not only supportive, but also trauma-informed. I understand the importance of trust, safety, and moving at a pace that feels right for you. Even if you are not seeking therapy specifically for trauma, this background helps ensure that your experiences are approached with sensitivity, respect, and care. Because of this, clients often describe feeling safe, understood, and not judged in our work together. I am mindful of how difficult it can be to open up, especially about personal or painful experiences, and I do not rush that process. You are always in control of what you share and when you share it. My role is to support you in a way that feels comfortable and empowering. In terms of results, clients often experience a greater sense of clarity, confidence, and direction in their lives. They begin to recognize their own strengths and feel more capable of handling challenges as they arise. Many report improvements in communication, both in their relationships and in how they express their own needs and emotions. Others notice a reduction in the intensity of anxiety or depressive symptoms as they develop tools to better manage them. What makes these results meaningful is that they are not based on temporary fixes, but on skills and insights that you can continue using long after therapy ends. The goal is to help you build a foundation that supports ongoing growth, so that you feel more equipped to navigate whatever comes next. Ultimately, what stands out about my approach is that it is grounded in respect, collaboration, and a belief in your ability to grow. Therapy with me is not about being “fixed”—it’s about being supported as you create the changes that matter most to you. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for something to be different, we work together to help you move forward in a way that feels both meaningful and sustainable.