Hi there! I'm glad you're here. Starting therapy takes a lot of vulnerability, and finding the right fit is vital. I take a collaborative, genuine, and client-centered approach to encourage your autonomy and help you feel empowered in therapy. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 11 years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience helping clients with a wide variety of mental health challenges, but specialize in working with PTSD, depression/anxiety, and supporting clients during big life transitions such as going to college or becoming a parent.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session, I emphasize creating a sense of safety and getting to know each other. I know it takes time to feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable, so I give us time to build trust and build our therapeutic relationship and don't expect us to dive into everything at once. I will encourage us to explore and define our specific goals for treatment so we can make a treatment plan (and if you're not sure yet, we can explore that more together!) If you have previous experiences in therapy, I will ask you more about what has been most and least helpful in order for me to suggest specific treatment approaches.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have worked in a wide variety of settings (including nonprofits/community mental health centers, healthcare organizations, university settings, domestic violence shelters, and more). This enables me to feel comfortable working with clients from diverse backgrounds and tailoring the appropriate treatment plan to each individual, rather than a strict "one size fits all" approach. I use a warm, gentle, and non-judgmental style to create a sense of safety and build trust as we get to know each other. I greatly value a client-centered and collaborative approach and want you to be in the driver's seat, and will often ask for feedback about our goals together and what approaches and techniques may or may not resonate with you. I value open-mindedness, acceptance, and collaboration in my work.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I have experience in a variety of settings with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with many presenting problems, and am passionate about supporting adults managing PTSD and processing disturbing past events, as well as going through life transitions, dealing with self-esteem issues, depression, and anxiety. In particular, I have extensive experience working with college and graduate students and am familiar with the unique challenges that come with this time of life, such as adjusting to big life changes, identity questions, juggling academic, family, and relationship stressors, or even processing childhood trauma that is being triggered as you enter adulthood. In addition, I also have training and experience supporting new parents experiencing anxiety, depression, and other difficult emotions during pregnancy and postpartum.