LCSW, 8 years of experience
New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about walking alongside individuals who want to heal, grow, and build healthier ways of navigating life’s challenges. Over the years, I have worked with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and difficulties in relationships, and I have seen firsthand how meaningful therapy can be when it feels both safe and effective. I believe that therapy should be a space where you feel understood and supported while also learning concrete tools to create change in your everyday life. My role is to listen as well as help you gain insight, shift unhelpful patterns, and strengthen your confidence in managing stressors. I bring warmth, compassion, and evidence-based strategies to my work so that clients leave sessions feeling both validated and equipped to move forward.
Your first session is a chance for us to begin building a therapeutic relationship where you feel comfortable, supported, and heard. I take time to really get to know you, not just the challenges that brought you to therapy, but also your strengths, your story, and what you hope to gain from the process. I’ll ask questions about your history, your current struggles, and the goals you’d like to work toward, but I’ll also move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you. Clients often share that they feel a sense of relief after their first session because they realize they no longer have to carry everything on their own. My goal is for you to leave that first meeting with a clearer understanding of how therapy can help, a sense of direction for the weeks ahead, and reassurance that you are not alone in this process. From there, we collaborate on a plan that is tailored to your unique needs, blending skill-building with emotional exploration so you begin to feel more grounded and empowered from the very start.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to balance empathy and validation with structure and skill-building. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients notice and shift unhelpful thought patterns, and from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to build coping strategies for regulating emotions and managing stress more effectively. I use a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to ensure that sessions always feel safe, collaborative, and empowering. I also integrate strengths-based strategies, helping clients recognize their resilience and use their existing abilities as building blocks for change. Clients often tell me they appreciate that I don’t just listen but also provide practical tools, fresh perspectives, and gentle challenges that encourage growth. I have extensive experience working with complex presentations, including trauma, ADHD, and co-occurring anxiety and depression, which allows me to tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs. Above all, I am deeply committed to helping people not only process their past but also step into a more confident, peaceful, and connected version of themselves. Outside of my work as a therapist, I am a wife and mother of two, and family life is an important part of who I am. I know firsthand how much strength it takes to balance relationships, parenting, and personal well being, and I bring that understanding into the therapy space. My own journey has included periods of living with depression, anxiety, and the lasting effects of trauma, which gives me a personal appreciation for the courage it takes to seek support. Because of these experiences, I approach therapy not only as a clinician but also as someone who deeply understands how difficult (and how rewarding) the healing process can be. These parts of my story help me connect with clients in a genuine, compassionate way, and they continue to remind me why I am so passionate about this work.
The clients I work best with are often those who are tired of feeling stuck in the same cycles of self-doubt, anxiety, or disconnection from others. Many of the people I serve struggle with setting boundaries, carry a deep sense of self-criticism, or feel overwhelmed by the weight of their emotions. Others may be high achievers who look like they have it all together on the outside but privately feel exhausted, anxious, or insecure. I specialize in working with individuals who want to untangle the lasting impact of trauma, build executive functioning skills, or develop healthier ways of managing relationships and stress. My ideal client is not expected to have all the answers; rather, they are willing to show up honestly, even if that means feeling vulnerable, so that we can work together to create growth. I especially connect with clients who want both understanding and practical tools, and people who want a therapist who will validate their experiences while also helping them actively make changes that align with their values and goals.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to distress and replace them with more balanced and realistic perspectives. Through cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and coping skill development, clients learn practical tools for managing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and negative self-talk. CBT allows clients to make connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, empowering them to make intentional changes that support their mental health and daily functioning.
I incorporate DBT techniques to support clients in developing emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness skills. These strategies are especially useful for clients who experience intense emotions, difficulty with boundaries, or self-critical thinking. By practicing DBT skills both in and outside of sessions, clients build resilience and learn how to manage stressors without becoming overwhelmed.
I approach therapy from a person-centered perspective by creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel genuinely heard and understood. I emphasize empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity, which fosters a trusting therapeutic relationship. This approach empowers clients to take the lead in their healing process while I serve as a guide and support, helping them recognize their strengths and capacity for growth.
I practice trauma-informed care by prioritizing safety, trust, and empowerment throughout the therapeutic process. This includes being mindful of triggers, pacing interventions appropriately, and validating the impact of past trauma on present experiences. I integrate grounding strategies and coping tools that support emotional regulation while working collaboratively with clients to reestablish a sense of control and stability in their lives.
I integrate a strengths-based perspective to help clients identify and build upon their existing skills, resilience, and personal resources. Rather than focusing solely on deficits or challenges, I encourage clients to recognize their achievements and unique abilities that can be used to overcome obstacles. This approach fosters self-confidence and reinforces hope, promoting lasting progress and well being.