Get to know me

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

Your first session with me is all about creating a safe, welcoming space where you can begin to share your story at your own pace. I understand that starting therapy can feel uncertain or even intimidating, especially if it's your first time — or if you've had mixed experiences with therapy in the past. My goal in our initial meeting is to build connection, establish trust, and begin to understand what brings you to therapy now. We’ll start with some brief introductions and review basic information, including confidentiality, session structure, and what to expect from the therapeutic process. If you have questions or hesitations, I encourage you to bring them up — I want you to feel informed and comfortable. From there, we’ll shift into discussing your current concerns and goals. I’ll ask questions to better understand what’s been going on in your life, how it’s impacting you, and what you hope to get out of therapy. This might include exploring your mental health history, relationships, stressors, coping strategies, or any specific challenges you’re facing right now. You won’t be pressured to share more than you’re ready for — you set the pace. Some clients come in with a clear goal, while others are still figuring it out. Both are completely okay. I may also begin to introduce observations or therapeutic tools depending on what we discuss, but the first session is not about rushing into solutions. It’s about understanding your context, making sure you feel heard, and beginning to build a plan together. By the end of the session, we’ll start identifying next steps. This could mean outlining a few goals to focus on, discussing a potential treatment approach, or simply planning to continue the conversation and dig deeper in future sessions. I’ll also answer any questions you have about my approach or what ongoing therapy might look like. Most importantly, I want you to leave the first session feeling like you were genuinely listened to — that you had the space to be real, without judgment, and that there’s a clear path forward. Whether you’re coming in as an individual or as a couple, I strive to make that first meeting a foundation for trust, openness, and meaningful change.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I work with clients of all ages, as well as professional adults and military service members. I enjoy thinking "outside of the box", and implement that in my sessions. I enjoy thinking of creative approaches and utilizing a variety of different skills to help my clients. My goal is to assist the client, you, in developing healthy coping skills, while building a strong therapeutic relationship.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), I am best positioned to serve individuals and couples who are motivated to better understand themselves, break harmful patterns, and move toward meaningful and lasting change. I work with clients navigating a range of mental health and life challenges, but I am particularly well-suited to support those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, ADHD, relationship issues, and major life transitions. Many of the clients I work with have reached a point where they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about how to move forward. Some are experiencing the fallout of unresolved trauma, while others are wrestling with the day-to-day impact of addiction, chronic stress, or emotional dysregulation. I also work with people who outwardly appear to be functioning well but internally feel disconnected, discouraged, or exhausted from carrying too much for too long. Whether it’s difficulty setting boundaries, feeling pressure to meet others’ expectations, or struggling to prioritize their own needs, these clients are ready to do the deeper work of change — and they are looking for a therapist who will meet them with both compassion and clarity. My therapeutic style is active, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based approaches. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. I tailor treatment to each client’s goals, strengths, and history. I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, EMDR (for trauma work), and mindfulness-based strategies to help clients increase awareness, gain control over their thoughts and emotions, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. I also integrate psychoeducation into our work, helping clients understand the “why” behind their symptoms and giving them tools to respond in new, effective ways. For couples, I utilize the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help partners rebuild connection, navigate conflict, and foster a relationship grounded in trust and shared purpose. Whether the issue is communication breakdowns, unresolved resentment, intimacy struggles, or rebuilding after betrayal, I guide couples in creating safer, more open, and emotionally attuned relationships. I am particularly attuned to working with people who may have tried therapy before and felt it wasn’t helpful, or who struggle to feel safe enough to open up. I understand that trust takes time, and I work