Get to know me

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

In your first session with me, you can expect a calm, supportive environment where we focus on building connection and trust. This is your space, and my goal is to make sure you feel heard, respected, and safe from the moment we begin. We’ll start by getting to know each other. I’ll introduce myself, explain my role as a therapist, and go over what therapy with me typically looks like. I’ll also review confidentiality, your rights as a client, and answer any questions you may have about the process. This helps set the foundation for a transparent and collaborative relationship. Then, we’ll shift the focus to you. I’ll invite you to share what’s bringing you to therapy—whether it’s a specific issue like anxiety, trauma, or depression, or just a general sense that something in your life isn’t working the way you want it to. There’s no pressure to explain everything perfectly or dive too deep right away. You get to set the pace, and I’ll meet you wherever you are emotionally. I’ll ask some questions about your history, current concerns, relationships, and goals. These are meant to help me understand your experience and how I can best support you. You’re free to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. The first session is about beginning to build a therapeutic alliance—not solving everything in one visit. By the end of the session, we’ll discuss possible next steps. This may include setting some early goals for therapy, identifying what you’d like to work on first, or simply agreeing to continue exploring together. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of what therapy with me will look like and, hopefully, a bit more hope for what’s possible. Most of all, I want you to walk away feeling heard, understood, and not alone.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my ability to create a space where clients feel genuinely safe, seen, and understood. I bring warmth, authenticity, and grounded presence into the therapy room, allowing people to be themselves without fear of judgment. Clients often tell me they feel like they can finally exhale—that they don’t have to perform or pretend. That sense of safety is essential for real healing to begin. Another strength is my ability to blend compassion with structure. I meet clients where they are emotionally while also helping them move forward in a meaningful, focused way. Therapy with me isn’t just about talking—it’s about insight, growth, and change. I’m not afraid to gently challenge distorted thinking, explore painful patterns, or walk with you through tough emotions. I do it with deep respect, knowing that transformation takes courage and care. My background as a retired veteran also gives me a unique lens on trauma, stress, and resilience. I understand what it’s like to function under pressure, to carry invisible wounds, and to protect others while neglecting yourself. This lived experience allows me to connect with clients who may feel misunderstood in other settings—particularly veterans, first responders, and individuals facing complex trauma. I’m also highly attuned to nuance. I pay close attention to the underlying emotions, unspoken needs, and subtle patterns that shape a person’s inner world. This helps me tailor therapy to each individual, ensuring it’s relevant, respectful, and impactful. Ultimately, my greatest strength lies in my belief in people—the belief that even in suffering, there’s strength; even in brokenness, there’s healing; and even in the darkest places, there’s still hope. I bring that belief into every session, and I walk beside my clients as they rediscover it for themselves.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

The clients I’m best positioned to serve are individuals who feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges—those who have experienced trauma, struggle with anxiety or depression, or live with the emotional weight of past events. I work well with people who may appear high-functioning on the outside but are battling internal chaos, emotional numbness, or self-doubt. Many of my clients are searching for relief from chronic stress, painful memories, or unhealthy thinking patterns that have kept them feeling stuck for far too long. As a retired veteran, I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by service members, first responders, and others who operate in high-stakes, high-pressure environments. I understand the importance of trust, respect, and practical tools in therapy, especially for those who’ve been trained to suppress emotion in order to survive. I also recognize the importance of a safe, judgment-free space where vulnerability is treated with honor—not weakness. I’m especially attuned to those living with PTSD, complex trauma, and personality or mood disorders. These individuals often feel misunderstood or misdiagnosed, and they may struggle with emotional regulation, relational conflict, or a pervasive sense of emptiness. I aim to provide grounded, evidence-based support to help clients make sense of their experiences and rediscover a sense of self-worth and direction. I also work well with clients who are introspective, curious, and ready—even if hesitant—to examine what’s beneath the surface. Whether you’re dealing with intrusive thoughts, emotional dysregulation, chronic loneliness, or a deep fear of being “too much” or “not enough,” I can help you untangle those beliefs and build a healthier, more fulfilling way of relating to yourself and the world around you. If you’re looking for a therapist who will meet you with respect, empathy, and real strategies for change, I’m here when you're ready.