(she/her)
New to Grow
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about helping children, teens, and families navigate life's challenges. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, emotional regulation, self-esteem, social difficulties, and life transitions. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves and working toward meaningful change. I use a personalized approach to therapy because I believe every child and family is unique. Depending on a client's needs, I incorporate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and play therapy. These approaches help children and teens better understand their emotions, develop healthy coping skills, improve communication, and build confidence. I also believe that parents and caregivers are important partners in the therapeutic process. I work collaboratively with families to provide support, education, and practical strategies that can be used at home and in everyday life. My goal is to help children, teens, and families feel empowered, connected, and equipped with the tools they need to thrive.
In our first session, my clients can expect a warm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where they are encouraged to show up exactly as they are. My goal is to help children, teens, and families feel comfortable, safe, and supported as we begin getting to know each other. I understand that starting therapy can feel intimidating or uncertain, so I take time to go at a pace that feels right for each client. During the first session, I will spend time learning more about what brings you and/or your child to therapy. This may include discussing current concerns, emotional or behavioral challenges, family dynamics, school or social experiences, and any stressors that may be impacting daily life. I also explore strengths, interests, and what is already going well, because understanding the full picture helps guide treatment in a meaningful way. The first session may also include developmentally appropriate activities such as conversation, play-based interaction, or gentle observation depending on their age and comfort level. This helps me begin building rapport and understanding how they express themselves best. I will also take time to explain how therapy works, including my approach and the types of strategies I may use, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and play therapy. I may begin introducing initial coping skills or simple strategies if it feels appropriate, but the focus is primarily on understanding needs and building connection. For parents and caregivers, I use part of the session to gather background information and discuss goals for treatment. I also provide space for questions, concerns, and collaboration so that we can work together in supporting the child’s growth and well-being. Together, we begin identifying early goals for therapy, such as improving emotional regulation, reducing anxiety, strengthening communication, building coping skills, or addressing behavioral concerns. These goals are flexible and will continue to be refined as we get to know the client better over time. I also review important practical information, including confidentiality, limits of confidentiality, and how communication works between sessions. This helps ensure that clients and families feel informed and comfortable moving forward. By the end of the first session, my hope is that my clients feel heard, supported, and more at ease with the therapy process. While it is just the beginning, the first session lays the foun
In sessions, I bring a warm, grounded, and supportive presence that helps my clients feel safe, understood, and not judged. I create space for my clients to move at their own pace while also gently guiding the process so that sessions stay meaningful and focused. My style is collaborative. I don’t “take over” the session, but I also don’t sit the entire time silently. Instead, I actively engage with my clients, reflect on what I’m hearing, and help connect the dots in a way that supports insight and growth. I tend to balance both holding space and gently challenging when it is helpful. For example, I will sit with clients in their emotions when they need support and validation, especially when discussing anxiety, trauma, or difficult experiences. At the same time, I will also gently ask questions, offer feedback, or challenge unhelpful thought patterns when it supports progress and skill-building. My goal is always to meet clients where they are while also helping them move toward where they want to be. One of my strengths is my ability to adapt my approach to each client. Some clients need more structure and skill-building, while others need more emotional processing and support, and I adjust accordingly. I also bring a strong focus on relationship-building, especially with children and adolescents. I prioritize trust and connection first, knowing that growth happens best when clients feel safe and understood. My goal is to create a space where my clients feel both supported and gently challenged in a way that promotes real, lasting change.
I am best suited to work with children, teens, and families who are looking for support with anxiety, depression, emotional or behavioral challenges, self-esteem concerns, social difficulties, and life changes. I also enjoy helping children who have difficulty managing emotions, expressing their feelings, or navigating challenges at home or school. I believe parents and caregivers play an important role in a child's success, so I work collaboratively with families to provide guidance, support, and practical strategies that can be used outside of sessions. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where children and families feel heard, understood, and empowered to make positive, lasting changes.
Other specialties
I identify as
Child Parent Psychotherapy
I have experience using Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) to help young children and their caregivers build stronger, healthier relationships. This approach focuses on helping parents better understand their child’s emotions, behaviors, and needs while creating a safe and supportive environment for growth. In my practice, I work with both the child and caregiver to strengthen communication, improve connection, and develop strategies that help children feel secure, understood, and supported both at home and in their daily lives.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help children and teens understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT teaches practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, stress, and other emotional challenges. In my practice, I help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns, develop healthier ways of coping, and build problem-solving skills so they can feel more confident and better equipped to handle everyday challenges.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help children and teens manage intense emotions, cope with stress, and improve relationships. DBT teaches practical skills for handling difficult feelings, staying calm during challenging situations, and communicating needs in healthy ways. In my practice, I help clients build emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills so they can feel more in control of their emotions and respond to challenges more effectively.
Eclectic
I also at times need to take an eclectic approach to therapy, which means I draw from different therapeutic techniques based on each client's unique needs, strengths, and goals. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor therapy to what works best for the individual. By combining strategies from approaches such as CBT, DBT, play therapy, and other evidence-based methods, I can provide personalized support that helps clients build skills, overcome challenges, and make meaningful progress.
Play Therapy
I use play therapy to help children express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in ways that feel natural and comfortable for them. Because children often communicate through play rather than words, play therapy allows them to work through challenges, build coping skills, and process emotions in a safe and supportive environment. In my practice, I use games, creative activities, and play-based interventions to help children improve emotional regulation, strengthen problem-solving skills, build confidence, and navigate social or behavioral challenges.