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

In our first session, my goal is to understand what brings you in, what you've tried before, and what you're hoping will be different this time. FOR COUPLES: If you're coming in as a couple, expect the first session to be structured and in-depth. I'll want to hear from both of you—individually and together—about what's happening in the relationship. I listen for patterns in how you communicate, not just what you're arguing about. Often the presenting problem (sex, money, parenting) isn't the actual problem—it's how you're talking (or not talking) about it. I'll ask direct questions: When did you first notice the disconnect? What have you tried? What keeps the pattern going? I track how each of you describes the relationship—the language you use reveals a lot about where the breakdown is happening. By the end of the first session, you'll have a clear sense of: What I think is actually going on (beyond the surface issue) The communication patterns we need to address What our work together will focus on Whether my direct, structured approach feels like a good fit I don't sugarcoat or take sides. My job is to help you see what you're both missing and build the skills to actually change the dynamic. FOR INDIVIDUALS: If you're coming in alone, the first session is about getting the full picture. I want to understand not just what's happening now, but what patterns brought you here. What have you tried in therapy before? What worked, what didn't? What are you hoping will be different? I listen carefully—not just to what you say, but to how you say it. The way you describe yourself, your relationships, your struggles tells me a lot about where you're stuck. I might point out things you haven't noticed about your own language or thinking patterns. That's not criticism—it's insight. We'll discuss: What's bringing you to therapy now (the immediate issue) Your history with therapy (what's worked, what hasn't) Patterns you keep running into (relationships, work, internal struggles) What real change would look like for you Whether my approach aligns with what you need MY APPROACH: I'm collaborative but direct. I won't spend months validating feelings without moving toward change. If you want someone to nod sympathetically while you process the same issues indefinitely, I'm not your therapist. If you want someone who will challenge you, track patterns you're not seeing, and help you actually shift what's not working—we'll work well together. I blend evidence-based methods (CBT, DBT, Gottman for couples) with close attention to language and communication. I notice what you avoid, how you defend, what you repeat. That awareness is where change starts. PRACTICAL DETAILS: First session is typically 50-60 minutes I'll ask you to complete brief intake paperwork beforehand (saves time) Bring questions—I'm happy to explain my approach or address concerns For couples: Both partners need to be present for the first session Telehealth sessions work just as well as in-person for this initial conversation WHAT HAPPENS AFTER: If we decide to work together, I'll recommend a session frequency (usually weekly for couples, weekly or biweekly for individuals). I'll outline what we're working on and how we'll measure progress. Therapy with me is structured and goal-oriented, but flexible enough to address what comes up. If you realize I'm not the right fit, that's completely fine—I can help connect you with other resources. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ME: Honesty about what I see, even if it's uncomfortable Clear explanations of patterns and dynamics Practical tools and strategies, not just insight Respect for your pace, but gentle push when you're stuck Accountability—I'll hold you to what you say you want to change WHAT I EXPECT FROM YOU: Willingness to be honest, especially when it's hard Openness to seeing things differently Commitment to actually trying new approaches between sessions Feedback if something isn't working Consistency—real change requires showing up The first session is as much about you evaluating me as it is about me understanding you. Come with questions. Come ready to be honest about what's not working. We'll figure out together if this is the right fit.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strength as a therapist is helping couples and individuals move beyond stuck patterns to create real, lasting change—especially when previous therapy hasn't delivered results for couples. I specialize in helping couples navigate communication breakdowns, recurring conflicts, and disconnection. Using Gottman Method and evidence-based approaches, I identify the patterns keeping you stuck (criticism, defensiveness, contempt, stonewalling) and teach practical skills for connection and conflict resolution. I'm direct but respectful—I don't let couples hide behind surface issues or avoid difficult conversations. You'll see tangible improvements in how you communicate, often within the first few sessions.What couples value most: I hold both partners accountable, track communication patterns in real-time, and help you understand what's really happening beneath the arguments. Whether you're dealing with trust issues after infidelity, feeling disconnected despite trying to fix things, or simply can't stop fighting about the same topics—we address the root dynamic, not just the symptoms. FOR INDIVIDUALS:I work with high-functioning professionals navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, relationship struggles, and identity questions. My approach combines CBT, DBT, and insight-oriented therapy to help you see patterns you're not seeing yourself. I pay close attention to how you talk about yourself and your life—the language you use reveals where you're stuck.I'm particularly effective with clients who've tried therapy before without breakthrough, or who need more than validation—you need someone who will challenge your thinking in a respectful way while providing practical tools for change. I work with treatment-resistant depression, dual diagnosis, LGBTQ+ identity and relationship issues, and professionals under high stress.MY APPROACH:I blend evidence-based methods with close attention to communication patterns. I notice contradictions between what you say you want and what you're actually doing. I ask hard questions. I don't reinforce limiting stories—I help you rewrite them. The goal is self-mastery and lasting change, not just temporary relief.Results speak for themselves: 96% retention rate across therapy platforms, with most clients seeing measurable shifts within 12 sessions. I offer bilingual services (English/Spanish), LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, and telehealth throughout South Florida (Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach).If you're ready to move from talking about problems to actually solving them, we'll work well together..

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

COUPLES: I work best with couples who are stuck in recurring patterns and ready to actually change how they communicate, not just vent about problems. You might be dealing with: Communication breakdowns where every conversation becomes an argument Trust issues or recovering from infidelity Feeling disconnected despite trying to fix things One partner dragging the other to therapy (I get both of you engaged) High-conflict dynamics where you need someone who won't let you BS Intimacy challenges or feeling like roommates Contemplating separation but want to try one more time with a different approach You're a good fit if you're willing to be honest about your part in the dynamic, even when it's uncomfortable. You're NOT a good fit if you're looking for me to validate that your partner is 100% the problem—I hold both partners accountable. I work particularly well with couples where previous therapy felt too soft or surface-level. If you need someone direct who will call out the patterns you're both missing, we'll work well together. Many couples appreciate that I'm male because it creates balance, especially when one partner has felt outnumbered or dismissed in previous therapy. INDIVIDUALS: I specialize in working with high-functioning professionals and individuals who struggle internally despite looking successful externally. You might be dealing with: Anxiety that therapy hasn't fully resolved Depression that keeps coming back despite trying multiple approaches Burnout from high achievement or perfectionism Trauma that affects your relationships or sense of self Identity questions (career, relationships, life direction) Relationship patterns that keep repeating Dual diagnosis (mental health + substance use) LGBTQ+ identity and coming out challenges Feeling stuck despite having insight into your problems You're a good fit if you've tried therapy before without lasting breakthrough and want a more direct, accountability-focused approach. You're ready to move beyond talking about problems to actually changing patterns. You value honesty over excessive validation. You're NOT a good fit if you're looking for someone to simply listen sympathetically without challenging your thinking, or if you need crisis intervention (I work with stable clients ready for pattern work, not acute crisis). WHO THRIVES WITH MY APPROACH: Couples tired of the same arguments who want practical communication skills Professionals managing high stress who need efficient, results-oriented therapy People who appreciate directness and can handle being challenged respectfully Clients who've been in therapy before and want something different Individuals or couples ready to do the work between sessions, not just show up Spanish-speaking clients who want therapy in their native language LGBTQ+ individuals and couples seeking affirming, non-judgmental support Anyone who values substance over surface-level validation LOCATION & LOGISTICS: I serve clients throughout the state of Florida including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and surrounding areas via secure telehealth. Bilingual services available (English/Spanish). Insurance accepted through major platforms. If you're ready to move from insight to action and create change that actually lasts, let's talk.