New to Grow
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over six years of experience, and my goal is to create a warm, supportive, and culturally aware space where you can genuinely feel seen and understood. My work centers on helping people navigate emotional ups and downs, major life transitions, and the lingering impact of early experiences that still shape how they move through the world today. I lean on evidence-based approaches, but I bring them into the room in a real, grounded way—so we’re not just talking about what’s hard, but actually uncovering root patterns and building tools that support real, lasting change. And before anything else, I want to acknowledge that choosing to show up for your mental health is huge. Taking that first step says a lot about your strength and your desire to grow, and I’m here to support you through that process.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In your first session with me, you can expect a comfortable and collaborative space where we focus on what feels most helpful for you. I’ll take time to listen to your thoughts, feelings, and needs, explain confidentiality and my therapeutic approach, and gather the information needed to understand your goals. There is no pressure to share anything before you’re ready—we move at a pace that feels right for you. Together, we’ll begin shaping a clear plan for your work in therapy and identify the goals that will guide our time together. My aim is for you to leave that first session feeling heard, supported, and a bit more hopeful about what’s ahead.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is the balance I strive to create between insight, practical skills, and genuine support. Clients can expect to walk away from sessions with a clearer understanding of themselves, tangible tools to manage challenges, and a sense of being truly supported throughout the process. I focus on helping clients identify patterns that may be holding them back, strengthen coping skills, and develop new ways of approaching life’s difficulties. My intention is that each session leaves clients feeling more empowered, grounded, and hopeful about their path forward.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to serve clients who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, stress, life transitions, or patterns that feel difficult to break. I take a collaborative approach, combining evidence-based practices with a compassionate and practical mindset. I especially enjoy working with creative individuals who may feel misunderstood and are seeking a safe, culturally attuned space to express themselves fully—emotionally, personally, and unapologetically. Clients who work with me often share the goal of becoming more confident and comfortable identifying and communicating their feelings, developing healthy and supportive relationships, and strengthening coping strategies they can rely on when facing distress.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) often in my work because it helps me genuinely connect with clients and understand what matters most to them. MI gives me a way to build real rapport by meeting clients exactly where they are, without pressure or judgment. It also helps us explore any mixed feelings or hesitation they may have about making changes, and we do this together at a pace that feels comfortable. In practice, I rely on open-ended questions, active listening, and consistent affirmations to create a space where clients feel heard and supported. These tools help me learn more about their experiences, needs, and strengths so we can identify goals that feel meaningful and achievable. Overall, MI supports a collaborative approach to therapy. Instead of telling clients what to do, we work side by side to uncover their motivations and build confidence in their ability to move toward the changes they want in their lives.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) regularly in my practice, and it has been an effective framework for helping clients understand the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Through CBT, I work with clients to identify and explore negative or unhelpful thought patterns—such as “I’m a failure” or “I’m not good enough”—and support them in learning how to challenge and restructure those thoughts into more balanced, realistic, and positive automatic thoughts. This process often helps clients gain insight, reduce emotional distress, and build healthier coping strategies. I often combine CBT with Motivational Interviewing to create an even more collaborative and empowering experience. MI helps establish rapport and allows clients to explore their own motivation for change, while CBT provides the tools to make those changes more concrete. Together, these approaches create a supportive environment where clients feel understood, involved, and actively engaged in their healing process.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I frequently integrate Mindfulness-Based Therapy into my work because it provides clients with practical skills for increasing awareness and reducing reactive symptoms such as anxiety, stress, or anger. Mindfulness helps clients pause, observe what they are experiencing in the moment, and respond with intention rather than react out of habit. Through this approach, I support clients in developing greater emotional regulation and a deeper sense of grounding. Mindfulness-Based Therapy pairs naturally with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. While CBT focuses on understanding and reframing unhelpful thoughts, mindfulness strengthens a client’s ability to notice those thoughts without judgment and create space for healthier responses. Together, these approaches offer both insight and actionable tools for change. In practice, I introduce mindfulness techniques such as body scans, breathing exercises, and guided meditation to help clients build skills they can use both in and outside of sessions. These exercises support clients in tuning into their bodies, calming their nervous systems, and becoming more attuned to early signs of distress.