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

The first session is really about starting a relationship. It’s a chance for you to get a feel for me, for me to get to know you, and for us to begin creating a space that feels safe, grounded, and supportive. We’ll spend part of the session going over intake information together. This includes talking about what’s bringing you in, a bit of your background, and anything you think is important for me to understand. You don’t need to have your story perfectly organized, and you don’t have to share everything all at once. We’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable, and you’re always in control of what you choose to talk about. There’s also plenty of room in the first session for you to just talk. Many people come into therapy carrying a lot; stress, emotions, experiences, or questions they haven’t had a chance to fully express. This is a place where you can vent, think out loud, or take your time finding the words. You don’t have to filter yourself or make things sound a certain way to be understood. My role is to listen, help you feel heard, and gently support you in making sense of what you’re experiencing. At the same time, I’ll be paying attention to patterns, strengths, and what feels most important right now. Therapy with me isn’t just about talking in circles, but we also don’t rush past what you’re feeling. If something needs space, we give it space. If it feels helpful to start thinking about change, we do that together, without pressure. We’ll also talk a bit about what you’re hoping to get out of therapy and what support might look like moving forward. By the end of the session, we’ll start shaping a loose plan for future sessions, nothing rigid, just a sense of direction that feels right for you. For adolescents, we’ll also talk about how parents or caregivers will be involved in a way that supports both safety and trust. You don’t need to come in knowing exactly what you want to work on or how to explain it. The first session isn’t about having answers, it’s about being met where you are. Most clients leave feeling a little clearer, a little less alone, and more grounded in what the next steps might be. This is the beginning of the work, and it starts with being heard.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My Strengths as a Therapist One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a space where people feel genuinely seen, safe, and understood. Clients often share that they feel comfortable opening up quickly, not because they are pushed, but because they feel met with warmth, curiosity, and respect. I approach therapy as a human connection first, believing that meaningful change begins when people feel heard without judgment. Another core strength of my work is my balance of compassion and direction. I hold space for clients to talk openly, vent, and process what they are carrying, while also helping them move toward clarity and change. Therapy with me is not about rushing emotions or staying stuck in them. It is about understanding what those emotions are communicating and learning how to respond to them in healthier, more intentional ways. A Humanistic, Trauma-Informed Approach What sets my therapeutic approach apart is its humanistic and trauma-informed foundation. I view symptoms not as problems to eliminate, but as understandable responses to life experiences, stress, and relationships. This perspective helps clients feel less broken and more empowered to work with themselves rather than against themselves. I am attentive to the nervous system and how past experiences shape present reactions. This allows therapy to feel grounded and regulating, especially for clients who feel overwhelmed, emotionally reactive, or shut down. Sessions are paced thoughtfully, with an emphasis on emotional safety, trust, and collaboration. Integrating Evidence-Based Methods While the relationship is central, I also bring strong clinical structure into the work. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, and the Gottman Method in ways that feel natural and personalized rather than rigid or overly clinical. Tools and skills are introduced when they make sense, and always in the context of the client’s lived experience. Clients appreciate that therapy feels practical and applicable to real life. We focus on developing emotional regulation, insight into patterns, healthier communication, and the ability to respond rather than react, both internally and in relationships. Results That Feel Sustainable A key strength of my work is helping clients create change that lasts. Rather than quick fixes, therapy focuses on building self-trust, emotional awareness, and skills that continue to

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Who I Work Best With My ideal clients are adolescents (ages 12+), adults, and couples who are seeking a space where they can be fully human—where their experiences are taken seriously, their emotions are respected, and change is approached with care rather than pressure. They may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, but they are open to exploring themselves with curiosity, honesty, and support. Many of the people I work with function well on the outside while struggling internally. They may appear capable, responsible, or “fine,” yet privately carry anxiety, emotional exhaustion, unresolved trauma, or relationship distress. Adolescents I work with often feel misunderstood, emotionally overwhelmed, or unsure how to express what they are experiencing. Adults may feel stretched thin, disconnected from themselves, or caught in patterns that no longer serve them. My approach is humanistic and trauma-informed, meaning therapy is first and foremost a place to feel heard and understood. I believe people need space to talk, vent, and make sense of their experiences—especially when life feels heavy or confusing. In our work together, emotions are welcomed rather than rushed, and nothing needs to be perfectly articulated to be taken seriously. At the same time, therapy with me is not passive. While clients are always given room to express what they’re carrying, our conversations are gently guided toward insight, clarity, and meaningful change. Venting is not dismissed, but it is also not where the work stops. Together, we look for patterns, understand emotional and nervous system responses, and identify ways to respond differently over time. Individuals I Serve I work with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, emotional dysregulation, trauma responses, identity questions, or difficulty trusting themselves or others. Many have lived with chronic stress, relational wounds, or past experiences that still shape how they think, feel, or relate. Across ages, my ideal clients want to feel more grounded, less reactive, and more connected to themselves. They value a therapist who can hold space for their pain while also helping them develop skills, perspective, and self-trust. Couples I Serve I work with couples who care deeply about their relationship but feel stuck in cycles of miscommunication, emotional distance, or repeated conflict. Often, both partners feel unheard or misunderstood and are unsure how to reconnect without things escalating or shutti