(she/her)
New to Grow
I am a therapist dedicated to helping individuals and families create meaningful, lasting change—especially during some of the most challenging and complex moments in their lives. My work is rooted in the belief that behavior makes sense when we understand the experiences behind it, and that real progress comes from addressing both the “why” and the “how” of change. I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, and families who are navigating trauma, behavioral concerns, and system involvement. Many of the clients I serve have experienced disruptions in attachment, high-stress environments, or significant life events that continue to impact their relationships, emotional well-being, and decision-making. My approach is structured, active, and grounded in evidence-based practices, including attachment-based therapy, trauma-informed care, EMDR, and DBT. I focus on helping clients build insight into their patterns while also developing practical skills they can use in everyday life. I believe therapy should not only be a place to process experiences, but also a space to build tools, accountability, and confidence. I work to create a therapeutic environment that is consistent, supportive, and honest. I balance compassion with clear expectations, helping clients feel understood while also challenging them to grow. Whether I am working with an individual or an entire family system, my goal is to strengthen relationships, improve emotional regulation, and support long-term stability. At Velocity Counseling, the focus is on forward movement—helping clients move beyond survival mode and toward a more stable, connected, and purposeful life.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to expect. The first session is designed to help us get to know each other and begin building a foundation of trust and understanding. During this session, we’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, any current challenges you’re facing, and what you’re hoping to get out of the process. I may ask questions about your background, relationships, and past experiences to better understand the full picture of what’s going on in your life. You are always in control of what you choose to share, and we will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I’ll also explain how I work, including the approaches I use—such as attachment-based therapy, trauma-informed care, EMDR, and DBT—and how they may support your goals. Together, we’ll begin identifying initial areas of focus and discuss what next steps could look like. For parents or caregivers, part of the first session may include time to discuss your concerns, your child’s needs, and how we can work together to support your family. Most importantly, the first session is a space for you to ask questions and get a feel for whether this is a good fit. My goal is for you to leave with a clearer understanding of the process and a sense of direction moving forward.
Building trust with complex clients I am able to engage individuals and families who may be hesitant, guarded, or resistant to therapy, creating a space where they feel safe enough to participate and grow. Balancing empathy with accountability I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment while also maintaining clear expectations and helping clients take responsibility for meaningful change. Strong clinical structure and direction I offer therapy that is active and goal-oriented, helping clients understand what they’re working toward and how to get there. Expertise in trauma and attachment I have a deep understanding of how trauma and early relationships impact behavior, emotional regulation, and decision-making. Ability to work with high-risk and system-involved populations I am experienced in supporting youth and families involved with child welfare, probation, and other systems, and I understand the complexities that come with those dynamics. Translating insight into practical skills I help clients not only understand their patterns, but also develop concrete tools they can use in real-life situations. Family systems perspective I work effectively with both individuals and families, helping improve communication, structure, and relationships within the home. Consistency and reliability I provide a steady, predictable therapeutic presence, which is especially important for clients who have experienced instability.
My ideal client is someone who may feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them—whether that’s difficulty managing emotions, challenges in relationships, or the lasting impact of past experiences. Many of the individuals and families I work with have experienced trauma, disruptions in attachment, or high-stress environments that continue to affect their daily lives. I work well with adolescents, young adults, and families who are navigating complex situations, including behavioral concerns, system involvement, or ongoing family conflict. My clients are often seeking not just symptom relief, but a deeper understanding of themselves and practical tools to create meaningful change. The clients who benefit most from working with me are open to growth, even if they feel uncertain about the process. They may struggle with trust, emotional regulation, or communication, but are willing to engage in therapy to build healthier patterns. Caregivers and parents I work with are often looking for guidance, structure, and effective strategies to better support their children while also strengthening their relationships. I provide a structured yet supportive approach that balances accountability with compassion. If you’re looking for therapy that is active, practical, and grounded in understanding how past experiences shape present behavior—while also focusing on real-life change—you may be a good fit for my practice.
Attachment-based
I utilize an attachment-based approach to therapy because our earliest relationships shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. The ways we learn to connect, trust, and feel safe in relationships often begin in childhood—and those patterns can continue into adolescence and adulthood, sometimes in ways that no longer serve us. Attachment-based therapy helps us understand these patterns with curiosity rather than judgment. Together, we explore how past experiences may be influencing current emotions, behaviors, and relationships. This approach is especially helpful for individuals and families who have experienced trauma, disruptions in caregiving, or challenges in trust and connection. In my work, I focus on creating a safe, consistent, and supportive therapeutic relationship. I believe healing happens not just by talking about experiences, but by experiencing a different kind of relationship—one where you feel heard, understood, and respected. From that foundation, we can build healthier ways of relating, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen connections within families and with others.
EMDR
I incorporate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy because many of the challenges people face—such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and negative self-beliefs—are rooted in how past experiences have been stored in the brain. EMDR is an evidence-based approach that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer feel as overwhelming or intrusive. When difficult experiences aren’t fully processed, they can continue to impact how we think, feel, and respond in the present. EMDR allows us to safely revisit those experiences in a structured way, helping the brain “unstick” and move toward healing. In our work together, I guide you through this process at a pace that feels safe and manageable. You remain in control throughout each session, and we prioritize building coping skills and emotional stability before processing deeper experiences. Many clients find that EMDR not only reduces the intensity of past memories, but also strengthens their ability to manage current stress and improve their overall sense of well-being. I often integrate EMDR with other approaches to support lasting change—helping clients not only process the past, but also build healthier patterns moving forward.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) because it offers practical, effective tools to help individuals manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and feel more in control of their lives. Many people struggle with overwhelming feelings, impulsive behaviors, or patterns of conflict in relationships. DBT focuses on building concrete skills to navigate these challenges, while also recognizing that change happens best when we balance acceptance and growth. This means we work on understanding your experiences without judgment, while also developing strategies to create meaningful, lasting change. DBT is centered around four key skill areas: mindfulness (staying present and aware), distress tolerance (getting through difficult moments without making things worse), emotion regulation (understanding and managing emotions), and interpersonal effectiveness (building healthier, more effective relationships). In my work, I help clients apply these skills in real-life situations so they feel more confident handling stress, communicating their needs, and responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, anger, relationship challenges, or high-stress situations, DBT provides tools that can be used immediately and built upon over time.
Trauma Informed Care
I practice from a trauma-informed perspective because I recognize that many emotional and behavioral challenges are shaped by past experiences, including stress, loss, or trauma. Rather than asking “What’s wrong with you?”, trauma-informed care focuses on understanding “What has happened to you?” and how those experiences may still be impacting your life today. Trauma can affect how we feel, think, and respond to others—sometimes leading to difficulties with trust, emotional regulation, or a sense of safety. In my work, I prioritize creating an environment where you feel safe, respected, and in control of your own healing process. This approach emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and choice. We move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and I work to ensure that therapy is not re-traumatizing, but instead empowering. I also incorporate practical tools to help build coping skills, strengthen resilience, and support emotional stability. Trauma-informed care is not a single technique, but a foundation that guides all aspects of my work. I often integrate it with other evidence-based approaches to help clients process past experiences, build healthier patterns, and move forward with greater confidence and stability.