LCSW, 22 years of experience
If you’re feeling worn out from always being the strong one, stuck in patterns of people-pleasing, or carrying the weight of past trauma, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep doing it all by yourself. I help adults heal from PTSD, burnout, codependency, people-pleasing, and spiritual or sexual trauma, so they can finally feel safe, confident, and at peace in their own skin. In our work together, you’ll learn practical tools to calm your mind, set healthy boundaries that actually stick, and rebuild a sense of trust—in yourself and in others. My style is down-to-earth, compassionate, and real. I use proven approaches like CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, all within a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework. You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need a safe space to start. My job is to help you find relief, clarity, and the courage to move forward—one grounded, doable step at a time.
In a first session with me you can expect to get right to it. I like to establish our goals pretty fast so we know where we are headed. It's important to get background and build rapport. By the end of the first session, I want you to have one tool, exercise, or technique you can practice that will help you feel better between sessions.
One of my strengths as a provider is my authenticity and empowerment. I have a gift that helps me see the best in people and I help them believe the same. I have experienced many difficult things in my life that also make me a better therapist and a better listener.
You are motivated to make positive changes in your life. You have a decent support system and you can identify past situations where you have figured things out. You are open to try new strategies even if they're hard sometimes. You have a growth mindset and deep down you believe you can make the changes you want to see. Here you are, looking for a therapist and the tools you need to move forward.
TLDR: We work together to change stinky thinking that keeps you stuck in patterns of behavior you don't want anymore. How does CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) help: - CBT helps by identifying and changing negative thought patterns (the science says, if you think better you feel better) - It incorporates behavioral techniques like mindfulness and skill-building - Homework assignments reinforce skills learned in therapy (no, not like in high school) - CBT takes a collaborative approach between therapist and client (we are a team) - By addressing thoughts and behaviors, it promotes more adaptive coping Who does CBT help: It helps those with symptoms of - Depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD - Substance abuse, eating disorders, insomnia - Anger management issues - Generally well-suited for problems involving negative thoughts, unhelpful behaviors, emotion regulation difficulties
TLDR: We work together to overcome roadblocks and hold ups by identifying your goals, previous successes and putting you in action to get things done. How does SFBT (Solution Focused Brief Treatment) help: Identifies specific, realistic goals the client wants to achieve - Explores times when the problem didn't occur to recognize existing strengths - Uses scaling questions to measure progress and identify next steps - Highlights the client's strengths, resources, and support systems - Encourages experimenting with small, actionable steps between sessions - Focuses on the present and future rather than analyzing the past in-depth Who does SFBT help: - Specific, well-defined problems rather than complex issues - Clients motivated and committed to change - Short-term therapy needs - Situational/adjustment challenges or life transitions - Behavioral/performance issues like improving productivity - Parenting or family conflicts - Mild to moderate mental health concerns like stress
TLDR: You have a lot of strengths you may not see. We work together to help you see them and use them to improve your life and relationships. How Strengths-Based Treatment Helps: - Identifies the individual's existing strengths, abilities, resources - Builds self-efficacy and a sense of empowerment - Encourages a positive, optimistic mindset - Sets goals aligned with strengths and values - Utilizes the individual's support systems and resources - Allows exploration and experimentation with applying strengths - Fosters resilience to better cope with future challenges Who Strength-Based treatment helps: - Low self-esteem or lack of confidence - Adjustment/life transition issues - Behavioral change or personal growth goals - Recovery from substance abuse/addictions - Mild to moderate mental health concerns - Managing chronic health conditions
TLDR: If you are tired of feeling the way you do but don't have the option to change it ACT will help you continue life in the best way for you even when you feel bad. How ACT helps: Fosters acceptance of uncomfortable thoughts/feelings instead of avoidance - Teaches cognitive defusion to distance from distressing thoughts - Clarifies core values to guide committed action - Encourages present moment awareness and mindfulness - Develops sense of self as observer of thoughts/experiences - Uses experiential exercises to embody concepts Who ACT can help: - Chronic pain or chronic illness - Anxiety disorders - Depression - Substance abuse and addictions - Stress and burnout - Psychosis and schizophrenia - Chronic perfectionism or self-criticism - Trauma and PTSD (as complementary treatment)