LMHC, 8 years of experience
New to Grow
My journey to becoming a mental health counselor is built on a foundation of professional dedication and a deep understanding of human resilience. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, my approach is centered on trauma-informed care and psychodynamic principles, but my perspective is uniquely shaped by over two decades of firsthand experience in high-stress, high-stakes environments. Before entering the world of clinical practice, I served our nation in the U.S. Army and later dedicated myself to public service as a law enforcement officer. These experiences instilled in me an unparalleled sense of discipline, a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, and, most importantly, a profound appreciation for the immense psychological burden that accompanies a life of service. My lived experience allows me to connect with clients in a way that academic training alone cannot, fostering a level of trust and authenticity that is critical for true healing. My therapeutic style is collaborative and person-centered. I am committed to helping my clients not just manage their symptoms, but to truly understand their root causes. Using an in-depth psychodynamic approach, we will work together to explore how past experiences and unconscious patterns may be shaping your present thoughts and behaviors. The goal is to gain deep self-awareness, empowering you to break old cycles and build a more resilient and fulfilling future. While my background gives me a unique understanding of veterans, first responders, and their families, my practice is open to anyone navigating life’s most challenging experiences. I believe that every individual has an innate capacity for healing, and my role is to provide the support, insight, and practical tools to help you on your journey. I am here to be a trusted partner in your path toward emotional well-being and personal peace.
Following our initial contact through your 20 minute complimentary phone session to assess if we are a good fit. We will start off by reviewing your Treatment Plan, that you have completed prior to our first session. This holds me accountable to your needs and direction as well as you maintaining control over your journey. This time I will also gain additional information for a proper choice of modalities to be used in our sessions while you begin your processing journey.
My therapeutic approach is distinct because it is a direct blend of my clinical training and my lived experience. While I utilize a trauma-informed, psychodynamic framework, what truly sets my work apart is the deep level of cultural competence and authenticity that I bring to each session. My style is grounded in the belief that clients are not broken; they are simply operating with learned patterns that were once necessary for survival. I work collaboratively with clients to get to the root of the problem, helping them understand how their past experiences, particularly those related to trauma and high-stress environments, are shaping their present.
My practice is for individuals who are ready to face their past to reclaim their future. I am best positioned to serve clients who are navigating the profound impact of past trauma, no matter when or how it occurred. You may feel stuck in emotional cycles you can't seem to break, or you may be struggling with anxiety and a deep-seated sense of unease. You may be a resilient professional, a parent, or a creative individual who has learned to function, but who knows there is a deeper level of healing to be achieved. My clients are those who are committed to the hard work of self-discovery and who seek to live a life defined by their own strength, not by their past.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Processing is the baseline for all talk therapy. This starts the ‘checking in,’ with every person. It allows for the therapist to meet you where you are at emotionally, physically and mentally.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) (This is the source where most if not all therapeutic are derived from for Mindfulness training.) will be approached with CBT to incorporate coping skills as well as an introspective discovery for both you and your therapist to find the core elements that could be at the base of your unresolved issues. Additionally, With DBT, you will learn and practice skills with your therapist that you could gain control over your responses so that they are no longer instinctual but a choice. Lastly, through this experience you will gain more control over your boundaries with yourself and others. Also, DBT is a pivotal modality when working with Domestic violence, Trauma and Narcissistic Abuse Survivors.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy (CST), This is also referred to as the, Feminist Theory. What this incorporates is not just you at present but this therapist incorporates your history, background, race, culture, sexual orientation, inner personal experiences to see you as a complete person. For example, no two siblings experience the same environment in the same household. Additionally, With this particular therapist who holds many experiences (I.E., "Generation X”, Cold War Military and Law Enforcement veteran, Female, person of color, Worked in an Intensive Care Unit and Hospice as well as Domestic Violence centers and is credentialed, traveled for years to various countries to aid women and children in impoverished cultures.) I am able to not only connect through today’s environment but also through connected similar experiences that ‘book knowledge,’ can not perform. In other words, ‘You either know it or you do not.’ Some experiences just need to be experienced to be understood. This is a very important component to allow this therapist to connect and walk your journey with you.
My approach as a therapist is rooted in psychodynamic principles. I believe that understanding the unconscious patterns and past experiences that influence our present lives is essential for true healing. We will work together to gain deep insight, not just into your symptoms, but into their underlying causes, empowering you to break old cycles and build a more resilient future. Also, DBT is a pivotal modality when working with Domestic violence, Trauma and Narcissistic Abuse Survivors.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-TF) is slightly different in psychotherapy than, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is due to connecting the behavioral and mental responses while in acute stress that you could have or are experiencing. It is a change in focus to work with a few facets that are in play with your current/past ‘survivor,’ mode that could be facilitated by your grooming from childhood, and current relationships (professionally, personally and socially) that could be co-contributing to your current issues. In other words, a lot is going on here. Also, DBT is a pivotal modality when working with Domestic violence, Trauma and Narcissistic Abuse Survivors.