Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s natural to wonder what the first session will be like. My goal is to make this initial meeting as comfortable, welcoming, and helpful as possible. The first session is a special opportunity for you to share your story, what brought you here, the challenges you’re facing right now, and the hopes or goals you have for therapy. This session is all about listening closely to you, understanding your unique situation, and beginning to build a strong foundation for our work together. When we meet, I’ll invite you to talk openly about what led you to seek therapy at this time. There’s no need to have everything figured out or know exactly what you want to say; this is your space to be heard without judgment. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. This session is about getting to know you and your current experience. Alongside discussing your present concerns, we’ll explore what you hope to gain from therapy. Everyone’s goals look different with some seeking relief from symptoms, others want support in making life changes, improving relationships, or building confidence. We’ll talk about your expectations for the process itself: what you think therapy will involve, how often you’d like to meet, and any questions or concerns you might have about how therapy works. This helps me understand how best to support you and ensures that you feel informed and empowered as we begin. Together, we’ll identify your goals both immediate and longer term. These goals can be broad or specific; sometimes they start vague and become clearer over time. For example, you might want to reduce feelings of overwhelm, learn ways to manage stress more effectively, improve communication in your relationships, or develop a stronger sense of self. Whatever your goals, they will guide our work together. Based on this conversation, I’ll start thinking about how to tailor our sessions to your needs. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and I believe in collaborating with you to create strategies that fit your life and values. This might include exploring your strengths and past successes, learning new skills, or uncovering patterns that may be holding you back. Together, we’ll build a personalized approach aimed at helping you overcome obstacles and move toward the life you want. It’s important to know that t

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

With over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my approach to therapy centers on equipping clients with the tools, insights, and strategies they need to manage their symptoms independently and build lasting resilience. I believe that therapy is not just about alleviating immediate distress but about fostering long-term mental health improvement and personal growth that continues well beyond our sessions together. One of the foundational principles guiding my work is collaboration. I view therapy as a partnership where your voice, experiences, and goals are central to the process. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, I tailor my methods to fit your unique circumstances, cultural background, and personal strengths. This client-centered approach ensures that the tools we develop together are meaningful, practical, and relevant to your life. Over the years, I have integrated evidence-based therapeutic techniques that have proven effective across a wide range of concerns. These include Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness practices. Solution-Focused Therapy is especially powerful in helping clients focus on their strengths and past successes, enabling them to envision and work toward achievable goals. This forward-looking approach encourages hope and action, even when challenges feel overwhelming. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy complements this by helping clients identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to emotional distress. By gaining awareness of how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors, clients learn practical skills to reduce anxiety, manage depression, and improve decision-making. Mindfulness techniques further support this by fostering present-moment awareness, reducing rumination, and enhancing emotional regulation. What distinguishes my approach is the emphasis on empowerment and independence. I don’t just aim to provide short-term relief but to help you become your own advocate and problem solver. This means that as you progress in therapy, you’ll gain confidence in applying coping strategies on your own, better understanding your emotional responses, and making choices that align with your values and goals. Throughout our work together, I prioritize creating a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space. Healing and growth require trust and vulnerability, and I strive to build a therapeutic relationship grounded in respect and empa

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

You may often feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck under the weight of cultural expectations, family roles, and the persistent sense that you don’t fully belong anywhere. You might find yourself navigating multiple identities perhaps as the child of immigrant parents, a professional in a demanding environment, or a caretaker within your family. Balancing these roles can leave you feeling fragmented, as if you’re trying to meet the needs of everyone around you, yet losing sight of your own voice and desires. In this complex juggling act, it’s easy to feel isolated. You may struggle with feelings of guilt, pressure, or confusion about who you really are beneath all the layers of expectation. You want to honor your heritage and the sacrifices made by those before you, but you also crave the freedom to define yourself on your own terms. This internal conflict can lead to anxiety, sadness, or even a sense of emptiness like you’re living a life that’s not fully yours. You’re searching for a place where your story is heard, seen, and honored without judgment a safe and supportive space where you can explore your experiences and feelings authentically. You want to feel understood in the fullness of your identity, including the challenges you face and the strengths you bring. You desire more than just relief from discomfort. You want to feel grounded in yourself more confident, more connected to your values, and more at peace with your life’s path. You want to heal old wounds, build resilience, and cultivate a sense of belonging that starts from within rather than relying solely on external validation. Perhaps you have tried to work through these feelings on your own, or maybe you’ve sought support before but didn’t find it quite right. You’re ready now to partner with someone who understands the cultural nuances and complexities you carry—someone who can help you navigate these intersecting parts of your life with empathy and insight. Together, we will work to untangle the stories and expectations that no longer serve you, making space for new perspectives and healthier ways of relating to yourself and others. We’ll explore your unique strengths, values, and goals to create a personalized path toward greater well-being and fulfillment. This journey isn’t about rushing to fix everything all at once. It’s about taking meaningful steps toward self-compassion, empowerment, and authentic connection. It’s about reclaiming your narrative and learning to live a life