LCSW, 12 years of experience
With over 12 years of experience as a licensed social worker, I am dedicated to helping children, adolescents, and adults navigating life’s challenges and build meaningful, healthy lives. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, eating disorders, relationships, behavioral issues and related concerns. My approach is client-centered and integrative, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychoanalytic techniques, positive psychology, and motivational interviewing, among other evidence-based methods tailored to each client’s needs. I believe deeply in the connection between mind and body as essential to overall wellness. I encourage healthy movement, balanced living, and self-compassion as part of the healing process. Above all, I hold that every person is capable of growth, resilience, and a fulfilling life—no matter the challenges they’ve faced.
The first session is primarily about establishing rapport. I will create a safe and welcoming environment for the client to share their thoughts and feelings. Building trust early on is crucial for a successful therapeutic relationship. Clients will be introduced to important policies such as confidentiality (HIPAA) and mandated reporting laws. These discussions ensure that clients understand their rights, and what is required from myself in situations of risk (such as harm to self or others). I will ask the client about their expectations and goals for therapy. It’s important for me to understand what the client hopes to achieve, whether it’s managing stress, overcoming anxiety, improving relationships, improving behavior, or working through past trauma. These initial goals may evolve over time, but they help to establish a direction for the work ahead. In addition to setting goals, the client may be asked to share a bit about what’s currently going on in their life—whether they’re facing challenges, experiencing distress, or dealing with a specific issue they want to address. This helps me understand the client’s perspective and start building a treatment plan. I will likely encourage the client to ask any questions about the process, and they’ll clarify what therapy will look like moving forward, how often sessions will take place, and any other logistical concerns.
I have worked in a variety of different therapeutic settings from inpatient hospitalizations to outpatient programs, community-based programs, schools and residential. I have experience helping all age groups from as early as 5 years of age to teenagers and adults. Given such a diverse background I am well versed in a variety of life struggles. My approach consists of a combination of psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, psycho-education, play therapy, client-centered approaches, and more. Given a rich and varied background in therapy, it provides a great deal of flexibility in how I approach clients' needs. Combining different therapeutic approaches, like DBT and CBT, shows that I am adaptable and able to meet clients where they’re at.
Building trust and a collaborative relationship really is key. Clients who are open to change, patient with themselves, and willing to engage in the process tend to see the most progress. Trust creates a safe space for vulnerability and growth.
I use this approach with my clients who experience distress and trauma. It provides space for client's to transform. It focuses on a client's natural capacity for healing and resilience. actively co-regulating emotions and by providing validation, it empowers clients to safely access, experience, and transform core feelings. This ultimately leads to greater clarity, connection, and well-being.