LPC, 10 years of experience
New to Grow
I am a resolute and compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor with comprehensive experience supporting individuals through the challenges of recovery, grief, and life transitions. I specialize in outcome-driven strategies designed to alleviate psychological suffering and promote holistic health—mental, physical, and spiritual. By integrating evidence-based practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), with a personalized approach, I help clients navigate life’s challenges, build sustainable coping skills, and foster lasting transformation. As a Gorski-Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist (ACRPS), I specialize in bringing a structured, evidence-based approach to preventing relapses and igniting lasting change for individuals assessed to have relapse syndrome. Additionally, I hold a Master's-Level Graduate Certificate in Grief Counseling, equipping me with the proficiency to guide clients through the complexities of loss with empathy and resilience. I provide LGBTQIA+-affirming and trauma-informed care, with a focus on creating a safe, culturally responsive and inclusive therapeutic environment for clients of all identities. My approach respects and celebrates diversity, ensuring that care is not only inclusive but also deeply attuned to the unique challenges and strengths of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of settings, whether it be working one-on-one or in group settings, my therapeutic philosophy is grounded in integrity, insight, and an unwavering belief in everyone’s capacity for recovery and renewal. I empower clients to take an active role in their emotional well-being and recovery because healing is most effective when individuals are engaged collaborators in their journey toward growth and resilience.
Our first session is about building a foundation. I’ll ask about what brought you here, your goals, and a bit of your history—emotionally, physically, and even spiritually if that’s meaningful to you. You’ll have space to share whatever feels comfortable, and we’ll begin identifying what’s most important to you right now. From there, we’ll work together to create a clear plan that’s tailored to your needs. Whether you’re navigating grief, recovery, or a major life transition, we’ll set goals that feel relevant and realistic to you. I use outcome-driven, evidence-based strategies—like CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing—to help you move forward in a sustainable way. I look at healing through a holistic lens—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. That means we might explore thought patterns and behaviors, but also things like values, boundaries, stress responses, or what gives your life meaning. Every session is personalized to where you are that day. Sessions typically last 50 minutes. Some may feel more structured, like practicing coping skills or working through a specific issue—while others may be more open and reflective. I’ll check in regularly to make sure therapy is helpful, and we’ll adjust the pace and approach as needed. You can expect a space that’s safe, respectful, and supportive—where your healing is the focus. I believe therapy should lead to real, lasting change, and we’ll check in on your progress along the way. You don’t have to have it all figured out—just be open to starting.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I’m deeply committed to my clients’ well-being and growth. I bring genuine passion to the therapeutic process, viewing it not just as a career but as a calling rooted in healing, resilience, and meaningful change. I believe in creating a space of accountability—supporting clients while also challenging them to engage actively in their own progress. I take pride in being honest about what I know and what I don’t. I don't claim to have all the answers, and I see that humility as a strength. It keeps me grounded, curious, and always learning. This approach helps me connect with clients in a real and human way, meeting them where they are and walking alongside them without judgment. I believe in meeting clients where they are—emotionally, mentally, and situationally—and I never approach therapy as a one-size-fits-all process. Each person’s story is unique, and I tailor my approach to fit their individual needs, strengths, and goals. One of my core goals is to help clients recognize the many strengths and resources they already have within themselves—often more than they realize. By bringing these to light, I empower clients to build confidence and take meaningful steps forward.
My ideal client is an individual who is navigating a significant life transition, recovery journey, or the complex terrain of grief and loss. They may be feeling emotionally overwhelmed, spiritually disconnected, or physically depleted, and are seeking support that addresses the whole person—not just the symptoms. They are ready to engage in meaningful inner work, even if uncertain about where to begin. This client values a structured yet compassionate approach and is open to evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, MI, and mindfulness-based practices. They are motivated—or willing to become motivated—to explore how their thoughts, behaviors, and emotional patterns impact their well-being. Whether they're early in the recovery process, adjusting to a major life change, or struggling to find meaning after a loss, they are seeking more than symptom relief—they want sustainable growth, personal clarity, and a deeper sense of balance in mind, body, and spirit. They may be professionals, caregivers, or individuals who have historically supported others but now find themselves needing space to heal. They are looking for a therapist who integrates practical strategies with personalized, outcome-driven support—someone who offers a safe, empathetic environment and a collaborative, strengths-based path toward lasting transformation.
I incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients build psychological flexibility and live in alignment with their values. I guide clients in identifying and accepting difficult thoughts and emotions rather than avoiding them. Together, we clarify personal values and use them to inform committed action toward meaningful goals. My goal is to support clients in developing a more open, present, and value-driven life, even in the presence of emotional discomfort.
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. Through structured sessions, I guide individuals in recognizing the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions, and support them in developing healthier coping strategies. My CBT approach is collaborative, goal-oriented, and evidence-based, tailored to each client’s unique needs to promote lasting change and improved mental well-being.
As a licensed therapist, I incorporate Motivational Interviewing (MI) to support clients in exploring and resolving ambivalence about change. MI is a collaborative, client-centered approach that helps individuals clarify their goals, strengthen their intrinsic motivation, and build confidence in their ability to make meaningful changes. I use open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations, and summaries to guide conversations, evoke clients’ own reasons for change, and foster a nonjudgmental, empowering therapeutic environment. This approach is especially effective in working with clients facing substance use issues, health behavior changes, or other life transitions where motivation may be uncertain or fluctuating.
I use a grief therapy approach to help individuals process and navigate the complex emotional responses to loss. My work is grounded in compassion, validation, and evidence-based practices such as meaning-making, narrative therapy, and elements of the Dual Process Model of Grief. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their grief at their own pace, honoring the uniqueness of their experience while working toward emotional integration, resilience, and eventual healing. Whether the loss is recent or unresolved from the past, I support clients in acknowledging their pain, maintaining bonds with the deceased, and finding ways to move forward with purpose and connection.
I use the Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approach to help clients identify and build on their existing strengths and resources. Rather than focusing on problems or past issues, I guide clients toward envisioning their preferred future and support them in recognizing small, achievable steps to move in that direction. Through goal-oriented conversations I aim to empower clients to discover solutions that align with their values and capacities, often leading to meaningful change in a relatively short time frame.