LPC, 3 years of experience
New to Grow
My journey began in the Grand Canyon state, where I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. From an early age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in a helping profession. It wasn't until college that I uncovered my passion for counseling and psychology. As I witnessed family and friends working in fields that highlighted the challenges and emotional toll of their experiences, I felt moved to offer a compassionate and supportive ear. This realization led me to switch my major to Psychology and ultimately pursue a Master's in Counseling at Arizona State University. From there, I began my career in private practice. I am a licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with years of experience in the mental health field. This year, I took the exciting step of founding Woods Wellness Counseling independently. In this role, I help individuals create more fulfilling relationships and heal from trauma or challenging life experiences. I have rigorously trained in some of the most empirically validated treatments, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which addresses the root causes of issues and creates lasting change. I continue to consult regularly and train with world-renowned experts. Each year, I complete a variety of continuing education, training, and conferences to deepen my expertise. I am passionate about learning and committed to providing my clients with the highest quality care. I received my EMDR training from the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). When choosing an EMDR therapist, it's crucial to select someone trained by EMDRIA, the recognized leader in the field. EMDRIA offers comprehensive and intensive instruction, while other organizations may provide more limited training.
During your initial 60-minute telehealth evaluation session, you can expect a friendly and open conversation where we’ll take time to get to know each other. I’ll learn about your goals, challenges, and background, while I also share my approach as a clinician to ensure we’re a good fit. Building rapport is an important part of this session, so we’ll focus on creating a comfortable space for you to share and ask any questions. By the end, we’ll have a clear plan for how to move forward and work together toward your goals.
My work is the balance of depth and practicality—honoring where you’ve been while focusing on where you want to go. I believe that while the past shapes us, it does not have to define our future. Beginning therapy is not about waiting for the “right” feeling; it’s about making a choice—to prioritize yourself, your healing, and your growth. If you’re ready to take that next step, I invite you to reach out by email or schedule your intake directly through my website. Clients often notice meaningful changes as they progress in therapy. They report increased resilience, greater confidence in their coping skills, enhanced self-esteem, improved relationships, and a decrease in anxiety and depression. My work is about helping you feel grounded, empowered, and capable of creating the life you want—while reclaiming your story and moving forward with hope and self-compassion.
I specialize in relationships, trauma, and life transitions. Do you find yourself thinking, “I'm not good enough” or “I'm not worthy,” or holding other unhelpful beliefs about yourself This kind of suffering can show up in many ways—feelings of overwhelm, loneliness, intrusive thoughts, or difficulty in relationships. Many of my clients describe feeling stuck, unable to move past painful experiences or fully engage with life. Healing is more than just reducing symptoms; it’s about reclaiming your story. Imagine what it would feel like to know how to soothe yourself in times of duress—to feel grounded, capable, and empowered. My approach is rooted in creating a supportive, welcoming space where you feel heard and understood. My clients often describe me as validating, affirming, and gentle, yet direct when needed. I aim to be personable and relatable, blending professionalism with humor. My goal is simple: to empower you to help yourself and reclaim your narrative. In our sessions, your beliefs are the guiding force, and I honor them with the utmost respect as we work together toward your growth and healing.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the primary modalities I use in my practice. My experience with CBT involves working with clients presenting with anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. I value CBT’s structured and evidence-based approach, which allows clients to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that maintain emotional distress. In my sessions, I typically begin by collaboratively setting goals and introducing the cognitive model so clients can understand the link between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I integrate techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and exposure exercises, depending on the client’s presenting concerns. I also emphasize homework and skills practice between sessions to promote self-efficacy and long-term change. Over time, I’ve learned to adapt CBT principles flexibly—incorporating mindfulness-based strategies and trauma-informed care when appropriate—to meet the unique needs of each client. My focus is on fostering insight, resilience, and practical coping strategies that clients can sustain beyond therapy.”
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to help the brain reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional charge and making them easier to manage. Through this process, clients can gain new perspectives on past events, leading to reduced emotional distress and improved mental well-being. EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that has been shown to be effective for trauma and various mental health concerns.
I have completed Level 1 certification in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), which has strengthened my ability to help clients identify and build on their existing strengths and resources. My experience with SFBT has taught me to maintain a future-oriented and goal-focused perspective in sessions, helping clients envision their preferred outcomes rather than focusing primarily on problems or past difficulties. In my practice, I use SFBT techniques such as the miracle question, scaling, and identifying exceptions to help clients recognize times when the problem is less severe or absent. This approach empowers clients to see their own capacity for change and to take small, meaningful steps toward their goals. I find that integrating SFBT with other modalities, such as CBT, is particularly effective for clients who are motivated for change but may feel stuck or overwhelmed. By maintaining a collaborative and strengths-based stance, I help clients develop practical strategies and a sense of hope that supports sustained progress even after therapy concludes.
I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles into my practice, particularly to support clients with emotional dysregulation, trauma histories, or difficulty maintaining stability. My focus is on using DBT for stabilization and the development of effective coping skills. I emphasize the four core DBT modules—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—to help clients increase self-awareness and build practical strategies for managing intense emotions and relationships. In sessions, I guide clients in learning grounding techniques, distress tolerance skills, and mindfulness practices that promote present-moment awareness and self-control. I also encourage skill generalization between sessions through homework and daily practice. DBT’s balance of acceptance and change aligns well with my therapeutic approach, as it allows clients to feel validated while also working toward meaningful behavioral changes.