New to Grow
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 30 years of experience dedicated to the art and science of healing. Throughout my career—spanning three decades as a therapist, clinical director, and supervisor—I have remained driven by a single belief: that every person deserves a safe, compassionate space to navigate life’s heaviest chapters. As a pioneer in telemental health with 15 years of experience in distance counseling, I have mastered the ability to bridge the digital gap, creating a therapeutic bond that is as deep and genuine as any in-person connection. My background is uniquely diverse, ranging from supporting families and parents to providing expert trauma care through EMDR and CPT. At my core, I am a Person-Centered therapist. This means I don't just see a diagnosis; I see a person with unique strengths and a story worth hearing. Whether I am helping a client move past trauma, guiding a parent through the complexities of raising a teen, or mentoring the next generation of therapists, I bring a steady, non-judgmental presence and a wealth of clinical wisdom to every conversation. I am here to be a grounded, expert partner on your journey toward balance and peace.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In the first session, the focus is on creating a welcoming and comfortable space where you can share your story at your own pace. Here is what you can typically expect during our initial meeting: A Warm, Person-Centered Welcome: We start by focusing on your immediate needs, ensuring you feel heard, valued, and understood from the very first minute. Building a Connection: The session is a dedicated space to begin building a foundation of trust and mutual respect. Exploring Motivation: We may use Motivational Interviewing techniques to explore your readiness for change and tap into your internal strengths. Understanding Your History: I will gather information about your background and current challenges to help identify the core issues you'd like to address. Collaborative Planning: Together, we will outline a personalized plan and discuss your hopes for therapy. Clarifying the Process: I encourage you to ask questions about the methods we might use, such as CBT, CPT, or EMDR, so you feel fully informed and empowered.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What I Bring to Our Partnership Decades of Insight: With over 30 years of clinical experience, I offer a steady, grounded perspective that helps us navigate even the most complex life transitions with confidence. A Human-First Connection: My practice is built on a Person-Centered foundation. This means you are the expert on your life, and my role is to provide the warmth, empathy, and zero-judgment space you need to grow. Specialized Expertise: I bring "gold-standard" tools to our sessions—including EMDR, CBT, and CPT—to ensure we are using the most effective methods for healing trauma and managing mood disorders. Seamless Telehealth Mastery: Having specialized in distance counseling for over 15 years, I’ve mastered the art of building a deep, genuine therapeutic bond through a screen, making high-quality care both personal and convenient. A Holistic View of Wellness: Whether the focus is on easing daily stressors, healing from trauma, or finding your way through anxiety and depression, the goal is to look at the whole picture of your life. By exploring everything from parenting and relationship dynamics to making peace with food, we work together to build a sense of balance that actually lasts.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
It takes a lot of courage to reach out, and finding a space where you feel truly seen is the first step toward feeling better. Whether life has felt heavy lately or you’re just ready for a change, here is how we can work together to help you find your footing again: Moving Past the Hard Stuff: If you’re carrying the weight of a distressing event, there is a path toward feeling safe and grounded again. Finding Hope in the Fog: When depression, bipolar disorder, or a persistent "gray" feeling takes over, we’ll work to bring back a sense of brightness and stability. Making Peace with Food: If your relationship with eating and your body feels like a constant battle, we can work on finding a kinder, more balanced way forward. Healing Your Relationships: Whether it’s with a partner or family, we can untangle the communication knots and find ways to resolve conflict with more ease. Support for the Parenting Journey: Raising kids and teens is a complex job; I’m here to help you navigate those challenges with more confidence and less stress. By focusing on what matters most to you, we can make sure the time we spend together is all about your growth and healing.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Our work starts with a simple, heartfelt promise: I’m here to walk right beside you, not lead the way. I truly value being my authentic self with you, offering a space filled with warmth and total acceptance where you never have to worry about being judged. Think of me as a supportive partner rather than an expert with all the answers—this is your journey, and I’m here to help you feel safe and heard as you find the path that feels right for you.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Think of CBT as a kind way to retrain your brain, helping you see how your thoughts, feelings, and actions all gently lean on one another. We’ll work together like curious partners to catch those unhelpful thoughts and thoughtfully replace them with ones that feel more balanced and true. It’s a very hands-on, supportive process where we use practical tools and little "experiments" to help you feel more at peace in your everyday life.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is a warm, collaborative way of talking that helps you tap into your own internal spark for change. Instead of me coming in as an expert telling you what to do, we’ll work as equal partners in a space that truly honors your choices. My goal is simply to walk with you as you figure out why and how you want to grow, rather than trying to push you in a direction that doesn't feel right for you.
Positive Psychology
Positive psychology is all about cherishing what makes your life feel meaningful and bright, rather than just focusing on the heavy stuff. Instead of only looking at what’s hurt, we’ll lean into your natural strengths, your resilience, and the little moments of gratitude that help you truly thrive. Even when things feel really hard, there is still so much that is wonderful about you—and together, we’ll gently nurture those parts of you so they can grow even stronger.
Trauma Informed Care
To address trauma we’ll work together in a gentle, supportive way to help you make sense of what happened and find your way back to feeling safe. Sometimes, after a difficult experience, our brains get stuck on certain thoughts that make the world feel overwhelming or scary. Think of me as a kind guide who will help you slowly untangle those painful beliefs and rebuild a sense of peace. We’ll focus on finding a new perspective that honors your story while allowing you to move forward with strength and hope.