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

In our first session together, my priority is you—not your “presenting problem.” I focus on getting to know who you are, what you’ve been carrying, and what you hope can feel different. You can expect a calm, nonjudgmental space where you’re free to be honest, uncertain, messy, or quiet. I’m not looking for the “right way” to tell your story; I’m listening for your truth. Everything we do is meant to help you feel emotionally safe enough to show up as yourself. Early on, we’ll slow down and simply connect. I may ask about what brought you here, what therapy has been like (if you’ve done it before), and what helps you feel comfortable with a therapist. I’ll also let you set the pace—there is no pressure to share more than you’re ready for in the first session. I work collaboratively and relationally, which means we’re a team. I’ll be attuned to your body language, your emotional comfort, and your boundaries, and I’ll check in with you about how the conversation feels as we go. If something feels off, too fast, or not quite right, you’re encouraged to say so—that feedback helps us strengthen our connection.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I blend several evidence-based methods with a deep commitment to helping you live as your most authentic self. I don’t see you as a diagnosis or a set of “problems.” I use Cognetive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Acceptand & Commitment, and Family Systems Therapy together to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface—your thoughts, emotions, relationships, history, and context. This helps us see not just “what’s wrong,” but what has happened to you, what you’ve had to do to cope, and where your strengths already live. Our work is collaborative, warm, and deeply human. Person-Centered therapy shapes how I show up with you: I bring empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard so you can safely explore parts of yourself you may have had to hide. CBT and ACT give us practical tools for working with unhelpful thoughts, difficult emotions, and stuck patterns, while still honoring your values and lived experience. A core focus of our work is helping you become reacquainted with your authentic self—the you underneath the masks, expectations, and survival modes. We gently explore self-worth, self-love, and the stories you tell yourself about who you are and what you deserve. We also explore the stories and conditioning that sometimes come from our family of origin. Over time, you can expect to feel more rooted in your own identity and less driven by shame, people-pleasing, or comparison. I also pay close attention to the systems you live in—family, culture, relationships, work, and community. Using Family Systems, we look at patterns you may have inherited, roles you’ve played, and where you may still feel stuck in old dynamics. This lens helps us untangle relationship issues with more compassion and create new, healthier ways of connecting and setting boundaries. Clients who work with me often: - Gain language for their inner world and clearer understanding of their patterns - Experience less self-criticism and more self-compassion - Navigate life transitions with more grounding and intentionality - Improve relationship choices, communication, and boundaries -Feel more hopeful and better able to move toward their dreams, not just survive the day-to-day Ultimately, my goal is for you to leave therapy not only feeling better, but living more fully in alignment with who you are and what you truly hope for in your life.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Are you feeling heartbroken, drained, hurt, tired, or unhappy? Do you find yourself struggling with unhealthy relationships and repeatedly falling for the wrong partners? Is the chaos in your work and home life so debilitating that you are ready to lay down your Superwoman cape in exchange for happiness? Stop beating yourself UP! Your LIFE IS CALLING YOU! And it's time for you to answer. I believe we each inherently have everything we need within us to meet and overcome our life challenges, smash our love and life goals, and find authentic happiness. REAL Happiness begins with GRACE and HEALING! We'll work together to uncover tangible tools that help craft the life you want and deserve. A life where you find the balance between loving & supporting others, erecting boundaries, and taking care of yourself. Call me, let me join you as you begin taking your life back, one loving decision at a time.