(she/her)
New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of experience working in the fields of substance use and mental health. I am also a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), with extensive experience supporting individuals struggling with substance use disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, trauma, and other mental health challenges. My approach to treatment is grounded in trauma-informed care and a strong belief in the power of self-awareness. I believe meaningful change begins when individuals take the time to understand themselves, their experiences, and how past events have shaped their thoughts, behaviors, and patterns. Through this process of insight and reflection, individuals can begin to develop healthier coping strategies and create lasting change. While therapy can provide guidance, support, and tools for growth, I also emphasize the importance of personal commitment and motivation in the recovery process. When individuals are willing to engage in that work, therapy can become a powerful space for healing, growth, and transformation.
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin building a comfortable and trusting therapeutic relationship. We will spend time discussing what brings you to therapy, the concerns or challenges you are currently facing, and what you hope to gain from the process. I will also ask questions about your background, including your mental health history, life experiences, relationships, and any past treatment you may have received. This helps me develop a clearer understanding of your needs so we can begin identifying goals and the most effective approach for your treatment. The first session is also a time for you to ask questions and determine whether my style and approach feel like a good fit for you. Therapy works best when there is a strong collaborative relationship, and my goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences. You do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy—many people come in simply knowing that something in their life is not working the way they want it to. Together, we can begin exploring those areas and developing a path forward.
One of my greatest strengths as a clinician is my ability to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel comfortable being open about their experiences. With over 10 years of experience in mental health and substance use treatment, I bring a strong clinical understanding of complex issues including trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, and addiction. I also have a strong ability to help individuals identify patterns between their life experiences, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By helping clients develop greater self-awareness and insight, I support them in understanding how past experiences may be influencing their current challenges and decision-making. In addition, I emphasize practical skill-building and life skill development, helping clients develop tools they can apply in their daily lives. My approach balances compassion and accountability, encouraging individuals to take an active role in their growth while providing the guidance and support needed to make meaningful, lasting change.
My ideal client is someone who is ready to begin exploring the connection between their experiences, thoughts, and behaviors. They may be struggling with substance use, mental health concerns such as mood or personality disorders, trauma, or difficulty managing emotions and relationships. Many of the individuals I work with feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them and are seeking meaningful, lasting change. While clients may be at different stages of readiness, the individuals who tend to benefit most from my approach are those who are open to self-reflection and willing to engage in the work of understanding themselves more deeply. Together, we focus on identifying patterns, building practical life skills, and developing healthier ways of coping, with the goal of creating long-term stability and personal growth.
Other specialties
I identify as
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Focusing on identifying irrational belief systems that are impacting quality of life and learning how to manage emotions and bring that into their thinking and belief systems. integrating into therapy to normalize emotions and feelings and guiding to more rationalized thinking.
Strength-Based
Focusing on the strengths of the patient to implement change, and further help identify positive qualities. Assisting clients learn about themselves and that they have the resources and skills within themselves to cultivate change
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
focusing on how to expand one's thinking and making smaller changes to lead to larger goals. Taking smaller steps that are manageable and lead to larger impacts to create the life and resolutions one is seeking.
Trauma Informed Care
focusing on how the impact of the event has caused disruption in one's life and considering how triggers and other events may further impact life. Trauma presents itself differently for each person, but educating that it does not define one self allows for greater improvement.
Motivational Interviewing
We would focus on the desire to change and the barriers that are impacting that motivation. Looking at how one can take charge in their life with guidance and support!