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

1. Building the Foundation (The "Meet & Greet") The first 15–20 minutes are about building rapport and connection. We start by getting comfortable with one another. The "Why" Now: We’ll discuss what led you to reach out today. Whether it’s a recent crisis, a long-standing trauma, or a desire for personal growth, we’ll identify your immediate priorities. Rapport & Safety: Since I work with trauma-informed models like TBRI, the priority is establishing a "felt sense" of safety. You’ll get a feel for my style, and we’ll see if we’re a good fit. 2. Mapping Your Story (The Intake) I take a holistic, 360-degree view of your life. We will briefly explore: Background: Your family history, relationships, and any previous experiences with therapy (what worked and what didn't). Specialized Needs: For military families or students, we’ll consider specific stressors such as deployments, school transitions, or academic pressure. Current Symptoms: We’ll discuss how your brain and body are currently responding to stress—whether that’s through anxiety, sleep issues, or emotional triggers. 3. Collaborative Roadmapping We won't just talk about the past; we’ll plan for your future. We will discuss which of my "toolkits" might serve you best: EMDR: If we choose EMDR, we won’t dive into trauma today. Instead, we’ll discuss how it works and begin "Resourcing"—giving you grounding tools to use immediately. Hypnotherapy: We’ll demystify what hypnotherapy is (and isn’t) and see if it aligns with your goals for subconscious change. CBT & Action Steps: We’ll identify clear, "SMART" goals so you know exactly what progress looks like. 4. Closing with Clarity You will never leave a first session feeling "opened up" without being "closed back down." Grounding: We’ll wrap up with a grounding exercise or a "check-in" to ensure you feel regulated before you leave. Logistics: We’ll handle the "housekeeping"—scheduling, session frequency, and any questions you have about my role as an LPC-Supervisor.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My Specialties: I have a deep background in supporting those who feel "stuck" in cycles of trauma, anxiety, or relational conflict. My work is informed by specialized training in: Trauma & Resilience: Using EMDR and TBRI to process past hurts and build emotional regulation. Relationship Support: Utilizing the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy to strengthen connections. Mind-Body Healing: Certified Medical Support Hypnotherapy for behavioral change and stress management. Family & School Advocacy: Extensive experience navigating school-based mental health and military family life stressors.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Who I Serve Healing isn't one-size-fits-all. My practice is designed for individuals, couples, and families who are ready to move beyond "just talking" and start transforming. Whether you are navigating a complex school system, a high-stress career, or a history of trauma, I provide the specialized tools to help you find your footing. 1. The Trauma-Informed Seeker The Struggle: You’ve tried therapy before, but you still feel "stuck" in the same cycles of anxiety, triggers, or hyper-vigilance. You know what happened in your past, but your body hasn't let it go. How I Help: We bridge the gap between the mind and body. Using EMDR and Medical Support Clinical Hypnotherapy, we work to "reprogram" the nervous system’s response to trauma, moving you from a state of survival to a state of peace. 2. The Modern Student & Growing Family The Struggle: Your child is struggling at school or home, and you feel like you’re constantly fighting a system that doesn't understand their needs. You want a home life defined by connection rather than conflict. How I Help: As a Certified Teacher and TBRI Practitioner, I provide "360-degree" support. I help parents implement connection-based parenting while advocating for students’ needs in Texas and California school systems. We focus on emotional regulation that works in the classroom and at the dinner table. 3. The High-Stakes Professional & Military Family The Struggle: You live a life of service—whether in the military, first response, or a high-pressure corporate role—and the weight of your responsibilities is leaking into your marriage or your mental health. How I Help: I understand the unique culture of high-stress environments. Drawing on my experience as a Military Family Life Counselor and Gottman-trained therapist, I help couples and individuals build "bulletproof" resilience and communication strategies that withstand the pressures of deployment, relocation, and high-stakes careers. 4. Those Seeking Subconscious Change The Struggle: You have habits, phobias, or self-limiting beliefs that feel out of your conscious control. You’re looking for a clinical, medical-grade approach to hypnotherapy. How I Help: As a Certified Medical Support Clinical Hypnotherapist, I provide a grounded, evidence-based approach to hypnosis. We target the subconscious to support smoking cessation, pain management, performance anxiety, and deep-seated behavioral shifts.