(she/her)
New to Grow
I am an art therapist, psychotherapist, and visual artist. In my practice, I combine a wide range of therapeutic approaches with my creative background. I integrate mindfulness, EMDR, and a strengths-based perspective, grounded in cultural humility and evidence-based practices. Through therapeutic art techniques and other holistic modalities, I support clients in rebuilding a healthy relationship with themselves and with others. The therapeutic process allowed us gain new perspective on our experiences, better understand our patterns, and expand our emotional awareness. At the heart of my work is the belief that while the past shapes us, it does not define us—it can guide us toward who we want to become.
The first session is typically an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin exploring what brings you to therapy. We will gently assess the concerns or challenges you’d like to address, as well as what you hope to gain from the process. We will also take time to identify your strengths and personal resources, as these are an important part of your growth and healing. Together, we’ll discuss your goals and any areas where you would like to develop or make changes. Based on this conversation, we will collaboratively create a plan that feels supportive and meaningful, outlining how we can work together to help you move toward your goals.
I truly love the work I do. I value people deeply and find each individual’s story meaningful and interesting. Every person is unique, and I approach each day with that in mind, using a range of therapeutic techniques to meet the individual needs of my clients. My goal is to support clients in understanding, tolerating, and regulating their emotions, while also gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Every story is different, and I honor that by tailoring my approach to each person’s path. I strive to find a way of working together that feels supportive, collaborative, and meaningful. I see both the beauty and the strength in human struggles, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients in their journey. I am there to support not only their successes, but also the setbacks, offering encouragement, compassion, and steady guidance every step of the way.
I’m not sure there is one specific type of client I work with—I truly value and appreciate clients from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. People come to therapy for many different reasons, and I welcome that diversity. I try not to make assumptions about the people I meet. Instead, I believe it’s important for clients to share how they see themselves and what they feel they need in order to live their lives more fully. I work with a broad range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, trauma, and depression, as well as relational challenges and personal or creative growth. If you’re not sure, I’m here for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out—we can talk through them together.
Trauma Informed Care
In my approach to working with survivors of trauma, I recognize not only the widespread impact trauma can have on daily life, one’s sense of self, and perception of the world, but also the strong potential for recovery and post-traumatic growth. I view healing as a meaningful shift in perspective that can emerge through understanding the knowledge and insight trauma brings. My approach is grounded in safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment. I strive to avoid re-traumatization by creating a supportive and collaborative environment where individuals feel respected and understood, and where they can begin to process their experiences, foster resilience, and move toward recovery. I use CBT, DBT, Humanistic and Transpersonal therapy, Mindfulness (MBSR) along with EMDR and Art Therapy.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
A mindfulness-based approach in therapy suggests that gently focusing on the present moment—rather than getting caught up in the past or worrying about the future—can help people respond more effectively to current stress and difficult emotions. It encourages a flexible and accepting mindset, allowing individuals to experience their thoughts and feelings without avoiding them, which can often prolong distress. Mindfulness practice also helps people become more aware of automatic reactions. By noticing these patterns as they arise, individuals can pause and choose a more thoughtful, reflective response instead of reacting on impulse. In addition, mindfulness strengthens awareness of thoughts, making it easier to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns, such as those that lead to rumination, and to respond to them in a more balanced and compassionate way.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a supportive, skills-based approach designed to help people manage intense emotions that can sometimes feel overwhelming or hard to control. These strong feelings can lead to behaviors that may be harmful or unhelpful, and DBT provides practical tools to navigate them more safely. DBT combines acceptance with change—it helps individuals learn to understand and accept their emotions while also building skills to respond to them in healthier ways. These skills include mindfulness (staying present), distress tolerance (getting through difficult moments), emotion regulation (understanding and managing feelings), and interpersonal effectiveness (building healthy relationships). Together, these tools can improve overall well-being and support a more balanced, meaningful life.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a gentle, structured type of therapy that helps people heal from traumatic memories and symptoms of PTSD. It works by helping the brain process difficult experiences so they feel less overwhelming over time. During an EMDR session, you focus on a specific memory while also noticing a form of gentle, back-and-forth stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This process supports the brain in “reprocessing” the memory, so it becomes less intense and easier to manage. You remain in control throughout the session, and while it can sometimes feel emotionally strong, many people experience a sense of relief, reduced distress, and greater calm as the process continues.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an action-oriented, mindfulness-based approach that supports the development of psychological flexibility. It helps individuals learn to accept difficult thoughts and emotions, rather than struggling against them. ACT emphasizes taking meaningful, values-driven action, encouraging people to live in alignment with what matters most to them. Rather than focusing solely on reducing symptoms, this approach fosters the ability to adapt to the complexities and changes of life while staying connected to one’s core values.