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

Your first session with me isn’t an interrogation, an exam, or a deep dive into your hardest memories. It’s a conversation — one where you get to feel out whether I’m the right fit for you, and where I start learning who you are beyond a name on paperwork. We’ll take things at a pace that feels safe and comfortable. Typically, the first session includes: A chance to share what brought you in — in your own words You can talk a lot, talk a little, or say “I’m not sure where to start.” All of it is okay. Getting to know your goals (or figuring them out together) You don’t need to have goals prepared. We can talk about what you want life to feel like rather than “fixing” a problem. Understanding your strengths, supports, and stressors Not just what’s hard — but what’s working and what’s important to you. Discussion of how you prefer therapy to work Some people want coping skills and tools, some want a space to vent and process, and some want both. We’ll build the style around you. Any questions you have about therapy, the process, or me You’re allowed to be curious — nothing is off-limits. You won’t be pressured to open up more than you’re ready to. You won’t be judged for anything you share. You won’t be expected to be polished, calm, or emotionally put together. By the end of the first session, my goal is that you walk away feeling: Heard Safe Respected And a little more hopeful than when you walked in If we decide to continue together, we’ll start building a plan that actually fits your life — something flexible, realistic, and meaningful to you. Most clients tell me their biggest surprise after the first session is: “That wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be.” And that’s exactly the tone I want to set from day one.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

Every person brings a unique story, set of experiences, and vision for their life, and my work is grounded in the belief that your therapy should reflect all of that. What makes my approach stand out is that I center clients as the experts in their own lives while providing guidance, evidence-based strategies, and a collaborative environment designed to foster growth, clarity, and authentic change. I bring a trauma-informed lens to my work, recognizing that past experiences, especially those that have been painful, confusing, or invalidating, shape the ways we think, feel, and interact with the world. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), I understand that trauma is not simply something that happened—it is something that lives in your body, your emotions, and often your relationships. My approach prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment. Every interaction is guided by the understanding that healing occurs at your pace, in ways that feel sustainable, and through strategies that build resilience rather than relying solely on insight. I use an integrated, evidence-based toolkit that draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), among other modalities. Each of these approaches contributes something unique to my work. CBT allows clients to explore the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, providing practical strategies to interrupt unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with actionable coping skills. DBT offers tools to regulate intense emotions, tolerate distress, communicate effectively, and remain mindful of the present moment. SFBT shifts the lens from problems to possibilities, helping clients identify strengths, exceptions, and small, actionable steps that create momentum and foster hope. What truly differentiates my approach is the way these modalities are woven together in a client-centered, flexible framework. I do not follow a rigid protocol. Instead, I assess each client’s goals, challenges, and lived experiences, and then tailor the approach accordingly. Therapy is not just about discussing issues—it is about co-creating solutions, experimenting with strategies, and applying skills in ways that fit your life. Every session is designed to be actionable, relevant, and empowering. The results I have seen in my clients consistently reflect this focus: increased emotional regulation, stronger relationships, reduced anxiety and depress

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I want you to know that therapy with me isn’t about perfection, judgment, or having all the “right” answers. It’s about being real. I show up as a human first and a therapist second someone who cares about your story, your values, and the things you’re carrying that other people might not see. I don’t expect you to have your thoughts organized, know exactly what you’re feeling, or have a clear reason for coming to therapy. You don’t need to have it all figured out to be here. Maybe you want to heal. Maybe you want to grow. Maybe you’re just trying to make it through the week. All of that is enough. I’m not here to tell you who you should be. I’m here to help you feel safe enough to explore who you are and who you’re becoming. In our work, you can expect: Honesty without judgment Compassion without pity Support without pressure Accountability without shame Therapy that moves at your pace, not mine I believe people are resilient, even when they feel exhausted. I believe healing is possible, even when it’s slow. And I believe you deserve a space where you don’t have to downplay your emotions, hide your history, or pretend you’re fine. I’m committed to using approaches that match you your personality, your culture, your struggles, and your worldview. My job isn’t to fit you into a treatment model; it’s to tailor therapy in a way that actually makes sense for your life. If you’re nervous about therapy, unsure where to start, or afraid of being misunderstood you’re not alone. I’ll meet you exactly where you are, and we’ll figure things out together. My approach to therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all model, it’s built around you, your values, your identity, and the world you live in. I believe people don’t come to therapy to be “fixed”; they come to be understood, supported, and empowered. So I focus on meeting you where you are and working with you rather than talking at you. Because everyone experiences the world differently, I personalize my style to fit each client. Whether you prefer straightforward tools and coping strategies, deeper reflection and emotional processing, wellness-based growth, or learning skills you can use in daily life we build that together. Most of all, I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can show up as your current self; flawed, funny, tired, overwhelmed, healing, hopeful without apology. My job is to understand your story, help you make sense of your experiences, and support you in creating a future that fe