New to Grow
Sometimes, as adults, we discover that our ability to make decisions; to love someone; to accept the love of another; to feel peace and inner calm; to find the motivation to accomplish goals; to forgive a betrayal; and to experience self-acceptance and confidence can feel limited, creating distress and discomfort. Thus begins the journey of an examined life. When you explore how you operate, what influences your choices, and what has contributed to your experiences, you begin the process of enriching your internal resources. This expansion of resources broadens your choices and options in life and holds the potential for higher functioning and greater happiness. As a therapist, I provide a safe, comfortable, and nonjudgmental environment. I am easy to talk to, interactive, respectfully direct, and mindful of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and sexual orientations. I work collaboratively with my clients to set goals and utilize each individual’s strengths and resources, supporting the discovery of an authentic self that experiences life in a richer and more satisfying way.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and to begin sharing the therapeutic space together in a way that feels safe, comfortable, and collaborative. I strive to create a warm, friendly, and nonjudgmental environment where you can speak openly about what is bringing you to therapy and what you are hoping for. The initial session is conversational in nature. You are welcome to ask questions about me, my approach, or the therapy process, and I will ask thoughtful questions to better understand your concerns, your history, and what you would like to change or strengthen in your life. I am curious, open-minded, and respectfully direct, and I work collaboratively with you to begin identifying goals that feel meaningful and realistic. My intention in the first session is not to “fix” anything, but to establish trust, clarity, and direction. By the end of our time together, clients often leave with a clearer sense of whether we are a good fit, a deeper understanding of what they are navigating, and an initial framework for how therapy can support their growth and well-being.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What makes me unique as an MFT is that I bring both professional expertise and deeply lived experience with life’s challenges—loss, illness, and unexpected crises—which has taught me how to find strength and growth in the midst of difficulty. I have a deep compassion for suffering and an ability to help clients navigate intense emotions while maintaining perspective, so they can continue to live fully and authentically despite life’s uncertainties. I’m naturally curious, creative, and open-minded, with a high tolerance for a wide range of human experiences and perspectives, which allows me to meet clients where they are and explore new possibilities together with courage, integrity, and curiosity.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with clients who are curious about themselves and genuinely interested in personal growth. My ideal client is willing to lean into discomfort, face difficult or sometimes frightening emotions, and explore the deeper parts of themselves with honesty. You value self-awareness, recognize the complexity of human experience, and are open to examining both your strengths and your imperfections with curiosity and compassion. If this resonates, our work together can help you understand yourself more deeply and live in alignment with your values.
Narrative
In my work, I use a narrative approach that treats problems as separate from the person and centers the client as the expert on their own life. I’m curious about the stories clients have come to tell about themselves—how those stories were shaped by relationships, culture, and past experiences—and whether they still fit. Together, we gently loosen problem-saturated narratives and make room for alternative stories that highlight strengths, values, and preferred ways of being, so clients can relate to themselves and their lives with more clarity, compassion, and choice.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, cognitive behavioral therapy is practical, collaborative, and grounded in real-life application. We identify unhelpful thought patterns, emotional responses, and behaviors as they show up in clients’ day-to-day lives, then work together to test new ways of thinking and responding. The focus is on building insight, skills, and flexibility so clients can feel more effective and less overwhelmed outside of session.
Positive Psychology
In my practice, I use positive psychology to help clients recognize and build on their strengths, values, and what’s already going well in their lives. Together, we focus on cultivating gratitude, resilience, and meaningful goals, so clients can increase well-being and create a life that feels more fulfilling and aligned with who they want to be.