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

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. My goal is to make the first session feel as comfortable, supportive, and straightforward as possible. The first session is primarily a time for us to get to know each other. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance or have everything figured out. You can simply come as you are. We’ll begin by talking about what brought you to therapy. You can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. Some people come in with a clear idea of what they want to work on, while others just know something doesn’t feel right—that’s completely okay. We’ll start wherever you are. I’ll ask some questions to better understand your current concerns, your history, and what you’re hoping will feel different moving forward. This helps me get a sense of the patterns, stressors, or experiences that may be contributing to what you’re going through. We’ll also talk about your goals. These don’t have to be perfectly defined. Together, we’ll begin to identify what you’d like to gain from therapy—whether that’s feeling less overwhelmed, reducing anxiety, processing past experiences, or simply having a space to feel more grounded and supported. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the process, my approach, or what working together might look like. It’s important that you feel comfortable and that this feels like a good fit for you. By the end of the session, we’ll begin to outline a plan for moving forward. This may include discussing whether weekly sessions or a more focused intensive approach would best support your goals. Most importantly, the first session is about creating a space where you feel heard, understood, and not alone in what you’re experiencing. There’s no pressure to go deeper than you’re ready for—we’ll move at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you. Taking this step is meaningful, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

With over 18 years of experience, I bring both depth and intention to the work I do. What sets my approach apart is not just the techniques I use, but how I integrate them to create meaningful, lasting change. Many clients come to me after trying therapy before and still feeling stuck. They’ve learned coping skills, gained insight, and yet something underneath hasn’t shifted. My work focuses on helping you move beyond understanding your patterns to actually changing them. I integrate EMDR, parts work (Internal Family Systems), and nervous system-focused approaches to address what’s happening beneath the surface. Rather than focusing only on thoughts or behaviors, we work directly with the emotional and physiological responses that keep patterns in place. This allows for deeper processing and more sustainable relief. I also offer the option of intensives, which is something many clients find especially helpful. Instead of working in shorter weekly sessions alone, intensives create the space to focus more deeply and make progress in a shorter period of time. This can be particularly effective for clients who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for a more focused approach. Another important part of my work is pacing. Change doesn’t come from pushing harder—it comes from working in a way that your system can actually integrate. I pay close attention to this, helping you stay within a range that feels both safe and productive. This allows for deeper work without becoming overwhelming. Clients often describe our work together as both grounding and effective. You’ll have space to be understood and supported, while also being gently guided toward the shifts you’re looking for. What ultimately makes this work impactful is the combination of experience, approach, and intention. My goal is not just to help you cope, but to help you feel more like yourself again—calmer, clearer, and better able to navigate your life in a way that feels sustainable.