New to Grow
I believe therapy works best when it centers on you. My approach is person-centered, with a foundation of critical cultural and social awarenesses, where you flourish as the expert with me navigating by your side as a guide. Together, we will traverse hardships, transitions, and happy times with empathy, care, and compassion at the forefront. Collaboratively, we will grow. I work with adults on a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, interpersonal relationships, and the general day-to-day stress of the world. I specialize in trauma-focused care, creating the safe spaces we need in order to process past experiences while supporting day-to-day life and function. I hold six years of experience in the mental health field alongside a master's degree in Professional Mental Health Counseling from William Paterson University and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. My goal is to put this experience and education to work for you, so you can have a nonjudgemental space to heal, process, enhance strengths, and grow a deeper sense of self.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we'll focus on laying the foundations of trust and creating an environment where you feel safe, secure, and supported to share your experiences. The relational elements of my therapeutic approach make session feel less like an interrogation and more like a conversation. You can expect questions as I seek to get to know you, but we will move at a pace you establish as comfortable (again, you are the expert!).
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I approach therapy relationally which means that it feels less like therapy and more like a conversation, all through the lens of you as the expert. Throughout my experience, I have helped adults and children work through trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions to develop practical coping skills for growth and healing. My goal is to ensure that you feel in control of your own process, however that may look to you.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationship conflicts, or other related challenges who are seeking a supportive environment to process these experiences. I work well with individuals who value a relational, person-centered, culturally aware approach to therapy. My clients are prepared to express themselves authentically, engage in self-reflection, and grow.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I believe that therapy works best when the focus is on you. Your wants, needs, and goals are some of the main ingredients for your success. Picture me as a guide along your individualized journey where your expertise on your life is considered the top priority while working together. Collaboratively, we will build a therapeutic relationship built on trust, understanding, and respect to help you navigate life's challenges, successes, and transitions.
Multicultural
Our identity and perspectives are shaped by our upbringing, family, culture, privilege, and systems. These characteristics influence how we see the world, cope, and heal. As a white woman, I approach therapy with a profound respect for the layers that make up the fabric of you. Together, we will establish a therapeutic relationship that holds space and welcomes the cultural individuality or community that aligns you with your goals.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma is inevitable. I utilize Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to assist you in working through and processing painful experiences in a safe space, at your pace. Together, we will look at how these experiences may be impacting your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to empower you with a sense of emotional safety, security, and confidence.