Hello and welcome! I’m delighted to have you here. With 18 years of experience, I specialize in guiding individuals and couples through the intricate journey of love and healing. Whether you’re recovering from heartbreak, striving to make your marriage thrive, or navigating the complexities of co-parenting after divorce, I am dedicated to supporting you with warmth and understanding. My passion extends to helping those facing fertility challenges, as well as addressing perinatal and postpartum mental health, creating a nurturing space for growth and connection. Additionally, I have specialized training in working with first responders, who often face unique challenges that can affect their relationships. I understand that whether it’s a single traumatic incident or the cumulative weight of various experiences, these challenges can strain both work and home life. Together, we’ll create a judgment-free environment where your accomplishments are celebrated, and your journey toward healing and fulfillment is honored. Let’s embark on this transformative path together, as you reconnect with your authentic self and nurture the relationships that matter most!
Congratulations on taking the first and likely most exciting step in your therapy journey! Booking your first session is a significant milestone and a courageous decision toward personal growth. Once we’ve settled on a convenient day and time for our virtual chat, I encourage you to prepare by finding a comfortable and private space where you can speak openly and honestly. During our first session, often referred to as the intake session, I’ll invite you to share what brought you to therapy. Whether you're grappling with one specific issue or multiple concerns, the choice of what to discuss is entirely yours. As you share your story, I’ll listen attentively to your experiences and feelings. Together, we’ll explore potential skills and strategies that may help ease the pressures you’re facing. This session is a collaborative process; your input is invaluable. I’ll provide guidance on how to achieve your goals while respecting your boundaries—it's essential that you feel in control of what we discuss and the direction of our work together. I may ask about your personal history, how the issues arose, their impact on your life, and the changes you hope to see. After our first conversation, many clients report feeling a sense of relief, as though a weight has been lifted. It can be incredibly liberating to express your thoughts and feelings in a compassionate, professional, and non-judgmental space. Together, we will embark on this journey, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
As a therapist, my greatest strengths lie in fostering a collaborative relationship with my clients, creating a safe and empathetic space free from judgment. I believe in meeting clients where they are in their journey, prioritizing their unique needs and goals. My approach is deeply rooted in respect for diverse backgrounds and identities, ensuring that every individual feels valued and understood. Utilizing highly researched, evidence-based techniques, I adopt an eclectic approach tailored specifically to suit each client’s comfort level and preferences. This flexibility allows me to adapt my methods to best support their growth and healing. I am committed to being honest, supportive, and respectful in every interaction, empowering clients to explore their thoughts and feelings openly. Together, we can navigate challenges and work towards meaningful change, fostering a therapeutic alliance that promotes resilience and well-being.
Since the onset of my career in helping others 18 years ago, I have embraced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as the cornerstone of my eclectic approach. CBT enables clients to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and empowers them to become expert observers of their thoughts, feelings, motivations, and behaviors. This self-awareness allows them to take control of their reactions to various life challenges. I find CBT particularly effective for treating a range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. Additionally, CBT can help improve communication skills, boundary-setting, and self-esteem. By integrating these principles, I assist clients to facilitate personal growth and resilience, guiding them toward lasting change.
In my practice, I often recommend Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for clients dealing with PTSD, past or ongoing trauma, survivor's guilt, and the pain of loss. I find that EMDR is particularly beneficial for those who feel unseen, undervalued, or unimportant. When clients are a good fit for this therapy, I enjoy implementing it due to its remarkable effectiveness and efficiency. EMDR allows clients to process their emotional pain in a safe environment, enabling them to heal and move forward in life with greater grace and peace, ultimately enhancing their overall emotional well-being and resilience.
I frequently apply Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) for clients seeking solutions to issues such as burnout, work-life balance, and significant life transitions, including job changes, breakups, family planning, aging, and grief to name a few. I find SFBT particularly effective because it emphasizes the strengths and resources clients already possess, often helping them rediscover abilities they may have forgotten they had. By focusing on what is working well and fostering positive change, clients are guided to reconnect with their sense of purpose. This empowering approach cultivates resilience, enabling clients to navigate life's challenges with renewed confidence and clarity;
I employ the Gottman Method for couples seeking to reconnect, improve communication, and enhance intimacy. This approach is particularly effective for those wanting to rekindle the spark in their relationship or heal from infidelity and build a “new marriage” moving forward. Grounded in extensive research, the Gottman Method provides practical tools and strategies to help couples repair commitment and rebuild trust. Couples are guided through exercises that foster understanding and empathy, enabling them to navigate conflicts constructively. By focusing on their strengths and shared goals, couples can rediscover their connection, deepen the bond and create a healthier, more resilient and fulfilling relationship dynamic.
In my practice, I incorporate mindfulness-based therapy to empower clients by teaching them to observe their thoughts in non-judgmental and compassionate awareness. This approach helps clients to view themselves with less bias and greater flexibility, reducing emotional reactivity and fostering a deeper understanding of their true selves. Research shows that mindfulness can alleviate the negative effects of rumination, worry, and emotional distress, leading to positive changes in health and mood. I employ various techniques tailored to both beginners and experienced practitioners, helping clients manage stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma while improving their emotional resilience and overall well-being.