(he/him)
New to Grow
As a mature therapist, I bring together advanced clinical training, accomplished therapeutic skills, and extensive lived experience to support adults of all ages but specifically those who are 40 and older facing anxiety, trauma, depression, addiction, and major life transitions. I believe meaningful change happens through a collaborative therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and a genuine understanding of each person's unique journey. My approach is practical, trauma-informed, and focused on helping clients regain a sense of control, build resilience, and navigate challenges with greater confidence. Together, we work toward healthy, lasting outcomes while fostering balance among mind, body, and spirit. My goal is to help clients reconnect with their strengths, clarify what matters most, and create a life with greater meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. If you're looking for a therapist who combines professional expertise with real-world understanding, I would be honored to support you in taking the next step forward.
The first session is a relaxed conversation designed to help us get to know one another and begin building a collaborative therapeutic relationship. We will review confidentiality and its limits so you have a clear understanding of your privacy and rights as a client. Rather than endless forms or an interrogation, I'll invite you to share what brings you to therapy, what you hope to accomplish, and ask some some background questions about your life, including family relationships, support systems, your current environment, previous therapy experiences, and any medications you may be taking. This helps me understand your unique situation and strengths. I will also explain the approaches I use, including trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and others. These approaches help clients better understand patterns of thinking and behavior, develop effective coping skills, increase psychological flexibility, and move toward meaningful, values-based goals. Most importantly, therapy is a collaborative process. My role is not to create solutions for you, but to work alongside you in developing practical strategies that fit your values, goals, and vision for your life. By the end of our first meeting, you should have a good sense of how I work and how we can partner together to help you navigate challenges, regain a sense of control, and move toward greater balance, purpose, and well-being.
One of the strengths I bring to therapy is the combination of professional training and a lifetime of real-world experience. Over the years, I have encountered many of life's challenges personally and professionally, providing me with valuable insight and a deep appreciation for the resilience required to navigate life's complexities, setbacks, transitions, and opportunities for growth. While clinical knowledge is important, I believe clients benefit most from working with a therapist who is both skilled and genuinely understands that life is often messy, unpredictable, and difficult. My style is relaxed, approachable, and nonjudgmental. I strive to create an environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves without fear of criticism or being told how they should live their lives. I am dedicated to listening carefully, understanding your unique circumstances, and helping you discover your own strengths and solutions. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to self-determination. I believe lasting change comes from developing your solution—not the therapist's—based on your values, goals, and vision for your life. My role is to provide support, perspective, and practical tools while working collaboratively toward meaningful goals and healthy outcomes
I identify as
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I have had great success with this treatment and it is part of every treatment plan. my person centered approach, I demonstrate unconditional positive regard by accepting and respecting clients without judgment. I create a safe, supportive environment where clients can openly explore their thoughts and feelings. I strongly support client autonomy and self-determination, recognizing that clients are the experts on their own lives. Rather than directing solutions, I use empathy, active listening, and collaboration to help clients identify options and make decisions that align with their values and goals. While the process is collaborative, the solutions ultimately belong to the client, not to me.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to be invaluable to every client , I use active and reflective listening to build rapport and gain a clear understanding of the client's experiences, values, thoughts, and beliefs. Through collaborative questioning and guided discovery, I help clients examine how their thoughts influence their emotions and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns and explore how these patterns may interfere with the client's ability to self-regulate, cope effectively, and achieve overall well-being. By increasing awareness of these connections, clients can develop more balanced ways of thinking and adopt healthier behaviors that support their goals and improve emotional functioning.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I find Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), I focus on the client's present circumstances and future goals rather than extensively exploring past problems or their causes. Through collaborative conversations, I help clients identify their strengths, resources, and previous successes in overcoming challenges. I encourage clients to draw upon their own knowledge of themselves and recognize solutions that have worked in the past. By emphasizing what is already working and what the client wants to achieve, I support the development of practical, goal-oriented behaviors that move them toward their preferred future.
Trauma Informed Care
Because I have found it helpful in every clinical situation, I use trauma-informed care with every client. I do so because every person deserves compassionate, person-centered support that recognizes the impact of life experiences on well-being. By maintaining awareness of potential traumatic triggers that may cause negative emotions or distress, and by fostering safety, trust, empowerment, collaboration, and dignity, I help create a supportive environment that promotes healing.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I have had great success with ACT when the situation indicates it. Because not everyone is able to fully process or simply put aside difficult experiences from the past, I often utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in my practice. ACT encourages acknowledgment and acceptance of painful thoughts, emotions, and life experiences rather than struggling against them. By helping clients develop psychological flexibility and commit to actions that align with their values, ACT supports meaningful change and often leads to better long-term outcomes, increased resilience, and an improved quality of life.