Get to know me

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

Beginning therapy is a courageous act, one that often starts with uncertainty but leads to self-discovery, clarity, and healing. In our first session together, my goal is to help you feel safe, understood, and hopeful about the process we are beginning. Whether you’re coming to therapy as an individual or a couple, you can expect our first meeting to be a space where you can exhale, release what you’ve been holding, and start your journey toward feeling more grounded and connected to your authentic self. The goal of therapy is not just to treat symptoms but to help you reconnect with who you truly are, your authentic self. Many people come to therapy because they feel lost, disconnected, or overwhelmed by life. You might be struggling with mental health challenges, relationship conflict, substance use, or life transitions that have left you uncertain about what comes next. My role is to walk beside you through that uncertainty, helping you find meaning, direction, and emotional freedom. Together, we’ll identify what’s holding you back and develop strategies to move you forward. In our first session, I’ll begin by getting to know you not just your challenges, but your story, your strengths, and your hopes. I’ll ask about what brought you to therapy, what you’d like to change, and what you envision for your future. You don’t need to have all the answers or know exactly where to begin. I will guide the process with warmth, humor, and structure, helping you put words to feelings and experiences that may have been hard to articulate. For many, that first session can feel both relieving and vulnerable. It’s a time to be honest about what’s working in your life and what isn’t. I understand that trust takes time, so I focus on creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment from the very start. I listen carefully not only to what you say but also to what you may be struggling to express. My approach is both empathetic and direct; I’ll meet you with compassion, but I’ll also gently challenge the patterns or beliefs that may be keeping you stuck. If you’re seeking individual counseling, our first session will focus on exploring your current concerns and how they impact your emotional, mental, and physical well-being. We may discuss areas such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or identity struggles. I’ll ask about your background, support systems, and coping strategies. This helps me gain a clear understanding of your world and what you need most right now. From there, we’ll begin to identify immediate goals and discuss what success in therapy looks like for you. If you’re attending couples therapy, our first session will be about understanding the dynamic between you and your partner. We’ll discuss what brought you both here, what you hope to achieve, and how communication, trust, and intimacy have been affected. I’ll create a space where both voices are heard equally, without blame or judgment. My approach is not about taking sides; it’s about helping both partners feel seen, understood, and motivated to reconnect. Together, we’ll begin identifying patterns that contribute to distance or conflict and start building new ways to communicate and reconnect emotionally and physically. Whether we’re working individually or as a couple, I view therapy as a collaborative process. You are the expert on your life, and my role is to help you uncover insights, tools, and strategies that align with your values and goals. Clients often tell me that my sessions feel comfortable and authentic. I’m not the kind of therapist who only listens silently or repeats what you’ve said; I engage actively in the process. I’ll ask meaningful questions, offer feedback, and teach practical tools that you can use between sessions. I believe in balancing compassion with accountability. During our first session, we’ll also talk about your expectations and what therapy looks like moving forward. We’ll discuss how often we’ll meet, what your goals are, and how we’ll measure progress along the way. This helps ensure that our sessions remain purposeful and that you always know where we’re headed. Therapy is not a quick fix—it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth but by working collaboratively and consistently, change is not only possible, it’s inevitable. If your concerns are relationship-related, whether stemming from infidelity, disconnection, or communication struggles, we’ll begin unpacking what led to the current challenges. I’ll help you understand the emotional patterns that underlie conflict, so you can respond to one another with empathy instead of defensiveness. Through structured exercises and open dialogue, you’ll begin to rebuild trust, intimacy, and emotional safety. For clients exploring sex therapy, our first session may include a discussion about intimacy, desire, or sexual identity. These conversations are always approached with respect and confidentiality. Many clients feel anxious about talking about sex, but I normalize these discussions from the start. We’ll explore your goals, concerns, and comfort levels at your pace. Whether you’re dealing with mismatched desire, sexual shame, performance anxiety, or the impact of trauma on intimacy, our work will help you build understanding and confidence in both your emotional and physical connection. You can expect honesty, empathy, and even humor during our first meeting. You don’t need to have it all figured out when you walk in. You just need to show up, and together, we’ll begin untangling what feels confusing, overwhelming, or painful. At the end of the session, I’ll summarize what we discussed, highlight key themes that emerged, and outline next steps. I’ll also invite you to share feedback about how the session felt for you because this process is a partnership, and your voice matters. Ultimately, therapy with me is about helping you find clarity, confidence, and inner peace. Whether your unhappiness stems from mental health issues, substance use, relational conflict, or life stressors, my goal is to help you find solutions that lead to understanding and fulfillment. Happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a journey of self-discovery, and together, we’ll begin that journey in your very first session.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

Having worked with individuals and couples across diverse backgrounds for more than 11 years, I’ve learned that there is no single definition of healing or of intimacy. My greatest strength as a therapist lies in helping people feel safe enough to speak about the parts of themselves they’ve never voiced before. I approach therapy with curiosity, humor, compassion, and a practical mindset, blending evidence-based techniques with authenticity and directness. Over the years, I have supported clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship conflict, and substance use, as well as sexual concerns such as low desire, arousal difficulties, performance anxiety, infidelity recovery, sexual shame, and mismatched libidos. I work with individuals and couples of all genders, orientations, and cultural identities. Whether clients are struggling to rekindle intimacy, heal from betrayal, explore sexuality, or rebuild confidence after trauma, my goal is to help them reconnect with themselves and with each other in ways that feel honest, safe, and empowering. What sets my approach apart is that I combine clinical expertise with warmth, humor, and realness. I create a therapeutic environment where conversations about sex, identity, and relationships are treated with respect and openness. My sessions are structured yet conversational; we laugh, reflect, and problem-solve. I’m solution-focused and direct, helping clients understand patterns, learn new communication tools, and implement changes that lead to measurable progress in both emotional and sexual well-being. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) while maintaining a trauma-informed, sex-positive, and attachment-oriented lens. This means that I view sexual issues not as isolated problems but as reflections of emotional connection, body awareness, and relational patterns. Therapy is never “one size fits all.” My role is to meet clients exactly where they are and guide them toward balance, confidence, and satisfaction. My work as a sex therapist centers on helping people unlearn shame and rediscover pleasure. Many clients enter therapy believing their concerns make them “broken.” Together, we reframe these beliefs, exploring how culture, upbringing, trauma, or past relationships may have shaped their view of intimacy. Through psychoeducation, mindfulness, and communication training, clients learn to understand their bodies, voice their needs, and experience intimacy without fear or guilt. Clients often describe me as warm yet straightforward, humorous but grounded. I bring realism to therapy, acknowledging that growth takes time and that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. My humor and authenticity help clients feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics, while my structure and accountability ensure that progress is clear and measurable. Genuine laughter and honesty, even around uncomfortable subjects, often lead to profound breakthroughs. My experience has shown that sexual health cannot be separated from emotional health. I help clients see how stress, depression, trauma, body image, and communication patterns directly affect desire and satisfaction. I also assist couples in rebuilding trust and rekindling connection after infidelity or periods of disconnection. By fostering empathy and curiosity, partners can shift from blame to understanding, learning how to navigate intimacy with compassion and renewed excitement. In my practice, I emphasize that therapy is not about fixing what’s “wrong” but about expanding what’s possible. Whether helping individuals explore sexual identity, overcome shame, or manage desire discrepancies, I approach every conversation with openness and respect. Clients appreciate that I normalize their experiences, validate their feelings, and provide clear, science-based information about sexual functioning and relational health. Beyond technique, what truly drives my work is my belief in authentic connection and empowerment. I view counseling as a partnership: I bring clinical tools and perspective, while the client brings insight, courage, and lived experience. Together, we uncover the barriers to intimacy emotional, physical, or relational and develop strategies to rebuild trust and pleasure. My clients often tell me they appreciate that I challenge them with empathy, help them laugh when things feel heavy, and remind them that progress, not perfection, is the goal. I’m passionate about teaching clients how to communicate desires and boundaries effectively. Many couples have never had a safe space to discuss what intimacy truly means to them. I guide them through exercises in emotional and physical communication, helping them articulate what they want while honoring each other’s comfort zones. Through this process, clients learn that vulnerability strengthens connection and that mutual understanding is the foundation of healthy intimacy. My professional journey has also deepened my understanding of how culture, gender, and identity shape sexual expression and mental health. Working with clients from varied backgrounds, I have seen how systemic barriers, shame, and stigma impact self-acceptance. My approach remains inclusive, affirming, and culturally responsive. I welcome conversations about race, faith, orientation, and identity, knowing these intersections are integral to how people experience themselves and their relationships. I remain committed to lifelong learning. I pursue ongoing education in trauma-informed sex therapy, neurobiology of desire, and relationship science to ensure my work reflects current research and best practices. My sessions emphasize practical growth from coping strategies and stress regulation to communication tools and mindfulness techniques that clients can immediately apply outside of therapy. Healing isn’t just about symptom relief, it’s about developing resilience and confidence that sustain well-being long after therapy ends. In short, I am a therapist who is direct, compassionate, and genuinely invested in helping individuals and couples build lives and relationships that feel authentic and fulfilling. My clients can expect open conversation, honest feedback, practical tools, and a therapeutic partnership that honors both vulnerability and strength. I don’t promise perfection; I promise progress. And together, we’ll work toward it one meaningful, courageous conversation at a time.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal clients are individuals and couples who are ready to do the real work of healing the kind that doesn’t just address symptoms but transforms how they experience themselves, their relationships, and their sense of purpose. They are people who might feel lost, disconnected, or “stuck” but still hold a quiet belief that change is possible. They are courageous enough to face discomfort, open enough to explore new perspectives, and willing to challenge old habits that no longer serve them. I work best with clients who are seeking clarity, connection, and emotional freedom. Many of my clients come to me during seasons of transition: after a breakup, during a period of loneliness, or while navigating a major life or identity shift. They are professionals balancing demanding careers and relationships, parents rediscovering their sense of self, or individuals who have spent years caring for others and now realize they’ve neglected their own needs. They want to feel grounded, confident, and whole again. My ideal individual client often describes feeling anxious, disconnected, or overwhelmed by the weight of expectations from family, culture, relationships, or themselves. Some are dealing with anxiety or depression. Others are healing from trauma, grief, or substance use and want to rebuild a life that feels stable and meaningful. What unites them is a desire for authentic change, not quick fixes. They may have tried therapy before or read countless self-help books, but they’re ready for a deeper, more personalized approach one that helps them reconnect with who they truly are. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Sex Therapist, I also work with clients struggling to understand and embrace their sexual selves. These are individuals or couples navigating intimacy issues, sexual shame, mismatched desire, performance anxiety, or questions about identity and expression. My ideal clients are not defined by their problems they are defined by their willingness to explore them. They want to understand their patterns, their bodies, and their emotional needs. They want to communicate more openly, experience pleasure without guilt, and rebuild confidence in both their sexuality and their self-image. I’m particularly drawn to clients who identify as high-functioning but emotionally exhausted. These are people who appear to have it all together on the outside career, family, success but privately feel empty or unfulfilled. They are often the ones who say, “I should be happy, but I’m not.” Therapy with me gives them permission to take off the mask, slow down, and explore what’s underneath. Together, we uncover how perfectionism, people-pleasing, or emotional avoidance might be keeping them from peace and fulfillment. I also work well with clients who describe themselves as self-aware but stuck. They already understand their patterns they just can’t seem to change them. They may say, “I know why I do this, but I can’t stop.” My ideal clients value honesty and accountability. They appreciate a therapist who is both compassionate and straightforward someone who listens deeply but also challenges them when needed. I ask questions that make you think, offer feedback that helps you grow, and bring humor and perspective when things feel heavy. Clients who work well with me are those who value collaboration. They understand that therapy is a partnership, and while I’ll walk beside them, they must take the steps themselves. For my clients seeking support in their sexual or relational lives, I work best with those who are open-minded and curious. They might be newly exploring their sexuality, adjusting to changes in desire, or recovering from betrayal or infidelity. Some are trying to restore intimacy after trauma, childbirth, or illness. Others are learning to navigate differing love languages, attachment styles, or cultural and faith-based values around sex. These clients thrive in therapy because they are willing to ask hard questions, confront shame, and redefine what intimacy means on their own terms. I am also well-suited to work with clients who have experienced emotional neglect, childhood trauma, or attachment wounds that continue to influence their adult relationships. They may notice patterns of over-giving, fear of abandonment, or difficulty trusting others. My trauma-informed and attachment-based lens allows me to help clients feel safe enough to heal and empowered enough to grow. For couples, my ideal clients are partners who are ready to listen as much as they speak. They may be struggling with disconnection, sexual dissatisfaction, or communication breakdowns, but they’re willing to practice vulnerability and empathy. These couples want to move beyond surface-level fixes and address the root causes of their tension. I help partners learn how to communicate needs clearly, manage conflict productively, and rebuild both trust and desire. I value clients who understand that progress isn’t linear and that setbacks are part of the process. These are the clients who show up even on the hard days, who are willing to look inward, and who are committed to lasting change. Ultimately, my ideal clients are people who want to live and love more intentionally. They want to break free from old patterns, improve communication, and develop emotional and sexual confidence. They come to therapy because they’re tired of surviving—they want to thrive. They’re not looking for perfection but for progress, not for someone to “fix” them but for someone to walk beside them while they do the work. If that sounds like you, then we’ll work well together. Therapy with me is real, practical, and focused on results—but it’s also human. We’ll talk, laugh, learn, and sometimes challenge old habits together. My goal is not only to help you heal but to help you rediscover the parts of yourself that are strong, loving, and resilient. Whether you’re looking to rebuild connection, deepen intimacy, or finally feel at peace within yourself, I’m here to help you take that next step. You don’t have to have everything figured out, you just have to be willing to start. As a relationship coach who has successfully navigated modern dating scene and all the frustrations and excitements that it entails to finding my husband; let me be "your very own HITCH!