LCSW, 14 years of experience
New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) with 14 years of experience walking alongside individuals as they navigate healing, change, and personal growth. I approach therapy with empathy, respect, and a deep belief in each person’s capacity to overcome challenges. My role is to meet you where you are, listen without judgment, and support you with evidence-based tools and guidance that align with your goals, values, and lived experience. Together, we’ll work toward healing, stability, and a life that feels meaningful to you.
During our first session, my goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you can share what brings you to therapy at your own pace. We’ll spend time getting to know each other, discussing your concerns, history, and goals, and exploring what you hope to gain from our work together. I’ll ask questions to better understand your strengths, challenges, and support system, and I’ll explain how I approach treatment so you know what the process will look like. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out—this session is about building trust, answering questions, and starting the journey with compassion, clarity, and support.
One of my greatest strengths is creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I bring a compassionate, client-centered approach that honors each person’s experiences while empowering them to take active steps toward change. I integrate evidence-based modalities—such as CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and faith-based approaches when requested—in a way that is personalized rather than one-size-fits-all. I also bring strong skills in working with individuals navigating recovery, emotional regulation, trauma, and life transitions, offering practical tools and cultural sensitivity, including bilingual care in English and Spanish. Ultimately, my strength lies in walking alongside clients with authenticity, hope, and respect while supporting meaningful, long-term growth.
I am best positioned to support individuals who are seeking healing, personal growth, and meaningful change—whether they’re navigating substance use challenges, emotional stress, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, or life transitions. I work well with individuals who are ready to reflect, open to exploring new coping skills, and want a supportive space to process their experiences without judgment. I especially connect with individuals who are working toward recovery, emotional regulation, building self-worth, strengthening their support systems, and aligning their choices with their values and goals. I am bilingual in English and Spanish, and I provide culturally responsive care to ensure individuals feel understood, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.
I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support patients in understanding how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. In sessions, I guide patients in identifying unhelpful patterns, challenging negative thinking, and practicing healthier coping skills that align with their goals. My approach is collaborative and non-judgmental—meeting patients where they are while helping them build practical tools they can apply both in and outside of therapy to create meaningful, lasting change.
I integrate Christian counseling into my work by combining evidence-based therapeutic approaches with faith-centered values, reflection, and spiritual guidance when patients request it. Through scripture-based encouragement, prayer, and discussions rooted in Christian principles, I support patients in connecting their healing journey to their faith and personal relationship with God. My approach is respectful and client-led—honoring each person’s beliefs, comfort level, and spiritual goals while providing emotional, behavioral, and spiritual tools that promote growth, resilience, and purpose.
I have experience using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support patients in managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and developing healthier coping strategies. In my work, I incorporate core DBT skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, adapting them to each patient’s needs and treatment goals. My approach is compassionate and strengths-based—helping clients feel understood and supported while learning practical tools they can apply both in and outside of sessions to create meaningful and lasting change.
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help patients explore their own reasons for change in a supportive, non-judgmental way. Rather than telling clients what to do, I guide conversations that draw out their values, strengths, and internal motivation, especially when they’re feeling ambivalent or uncertain about next steps. Through open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations, and collaborative goal-setting, I empower patients to take ownership of their progress and make changes that feel meaningful and attainable to them.
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help patients build a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions rather than avoiding or suppressing them. Through mindfulness, values exploration, and acceptance-based strategies, I support patients in increasing psychological flexibility—learning to notice their internal experiences without judgment while taking actionable steps toward what matters most to them. My approach helps patients develop clarity around their values, build coping skills, and commit to behaviors that align with personal growth, purpose, and long-term wellbeing.