Hello, I’m Vicki. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with adults who often appear capable and steady on the outside, while feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected on the inside. Many of the people I work with are used to carrying a lot for others, managing responsibilities, and pushing through, even when it feels like something is quietly unraveling beneath the surface. Therapy with me is a collaborative and supportive space to slow down and begin making sense of what you are holding. Together, we focus on understanding emotional patterns, internal conflicts, and the stories you have learned to tell about yourself. Rather than rushing toward solutions, we work at a pace that feels safe and respectful, allowing room for curiosity, reflection, and meaningful change. My approach is person centered and informed by Internal Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This allows us to explore both the emotional and practical aspects of your experience. We may look at how different parts of you show up under stress, examine beliefs that no longer serve you, and build skills that support clearer communication, healthier boundaries, and greater self trust. I believe that people already carry an inherent capacity for growth and healing, even when it does not feel accessible. My role is not to fix or judge, but to walk alongside you as you reconnect with yourself, strengthen your sense of agency, and move toward a life that feels more balanced and authentic.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In your first session, we will focus on getting to know each other and figuring out what you actually need from therapy. There is no test, no pressure to tell your entire life story, and no expectation that you have the “right” words. You can start wherever you want. I will ask questions to understand what has been weighing on you, what you have already tried, and what you are hoping might change. We will talk honestly and directly, with room for humor when it fits, because therapy does not have to feel stiff or intimidating to be meaningful. We will also cover the practical basics like confidentiality, scheduling, and how sessions work, without spending the entire hour on paperwork. By the end of the session, you should have a clearer sense of what we might focus on together and whether this feels like a good fit. Most people leave the first session feeling a bit lighter, a bit clearer, and relieved that they did not have to hold it all together for an hour. My goal is for you to feel supported, understood, and comfortable enough to be real, even if things feel messy.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What often stands out about my approach is the balance between depth and practicality. I create a space where clients feel safe enough to be honest, while also being gently challenged when patterns are keeping them stuck. I am direct, engaged, and present, and I use humor when it helps lower defenses or bring perspective. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, we look at the bigger picture of how you learned to cope, what you have been carrying, and what is no longer working. I help clients understand their internal experiences, make sense of conflicting parts of themselves, and shift long standing beliefs that contribute to anxiety, burnout, or emotional overload. Clients often report feeling clearer, more grounded, and more confident in their ability to communicate, set boundaries, and respond rather than react. The work is not about quick fixes, but about meaningful, sustainable change that helps people feel more like themselves again.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to work with adults who are high functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected on the inside. Many of the clients I work with are used to being the reliable one, the problem solver, or the person who keeps things moving, even when it comes at a cost to their own well being. You might be someone who overthinks, holds a lot in, or feels frustrated that insight alone has not led to change. You may be carrying anxiety, stress, relationship strain, or the impact of past experiences, while telling yourself you should be able to handle it. You are open to looking inward, willing to be honest, and interested in understanding patterns rather than just managing symptoms. Clients who tend to do well in my work value a direct but compassionate approach. They want a therapist who will listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and also be real with them. Therapy is a place where you can slow down, gain clarity, and learn to communicate more clearly, set healthier boundaries, and respond differently to stress. If you are looking for a space that is supportive without being passive, reflective without being abstract, and grounded in both insight and practical change, this work may be a good fit for you.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
My experience with Internal Family Systems (IFS) has been very meaningful, both in my own learning and in working with clients. I find that clients respond well to the idea that they are not “broken” but instead have different parts of themselves that are trying to protect them, even if those parts sometimes create conflict or distress. In practice, I use IFS by helping clients first notice and name the parts that are showing up, such as an inner critic, a protective manager part, or an exile carrying pain from past experiences. From there, I guide them in getting curious about these parts instead of pushing them away. Often I’ll use guided imagery to help clients connect with their parts, ask what those parts need, and explore what might happen if they could rest a little. IFS has been especially useful when clients struggle with anxiety, shame, or self-criticism. It gives them language and structure to understand their inner world and helps create more self-compassion. For me as a therapist, IFS has been a powerful way to create safety and help clients access their own inner wisdom.
Trauma Informed Care
My experience with trauma-informed care has shown me how essential safety, trust, and empowerment are in the therapeutic relationship. I use it by being mindful of triggers, giving clients choice and control during sessions, and focusing on their strengths rather than just their symptoms. It helps clients feel seen and supported, especially when working through past trauma.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
In my work, person-centered therapy helps me create a space where clients feel heard without judgment. I focus on being genuine, offering empathy, and showing unconditional positive regard so they feel safe exploring their own experiences. I’ve found that when clients sense that kind of acceptance, they are more open to self-discovery and growth.
Narrative
With narrative therapy, I support clients in separating themselves from their problems and exploring the stories that shape how they see themselves. I encourage them to re-author their experiences in ways that highlight resilience and possibility. This approach often helps clients feel less defined by challenges and more connected to their strengths.