LCSW, 20 years of experience
New to Grow
I have been practicing social work and school counseling for over 20 years. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have had the privilege of working in a variety of settings, providing mental health care to individuals across the lifespan from birth through end of life. These diverse experiences have been instrumental in helping me refine and strengthen my therapeutic skills. For the past 12 years, I have been honored to serve as a school counselor, where I support students in the areas of academic achievement, career development, and social-emotional learning.
The first therapy session is a vital opportunity to begin building rapport and laying a solid foundation of trust. I view this initial meeting as the start of a collaborative relationship, where the client can begin to feel safe, heard, and respected. A key focus of this session is to explore the client’s reasons for seeking therapy, as well as to understand their hopes and goals for the therapeutic process. I invite the client to share their story in their own words, at their own pace, and I strive to listen with empathy, curiosity, and without judgment. It is equally important during the first session to clearly explain how therapy will work including the structure of future sessions, the boundaries of confidentiality, and what the client can expect from the therapeutic process. Overall, my goal is to ensure that the client feels safe, supported, and encouraged as we begin this journey together.
I bring an open minded and compassionate approach to my work, always striving to meet clients where they are without judgment. I pride myself on being a good listener, creating a space where clients feel truly heard and understood. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to build authentic and trusting relationships. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful change, and I work intentionally to foster a strong connection based on respect, empathy, and collaboration. By combining these qualities, I aim to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences, express their emotions, and move toward healing and personal growth.
My ideal client is someone who is open and willing to engage fully in all aspects of the therapeutic process. They approach sessions with a genuine desire for growth and are actively invested in their own healing journey. This individual demonstrates the courage to be honest and transparent, even when that means confronting difficult emotions or uncomfortable truths. An ideal client is also receptive to new tools, perspectives, and strategies, and shows a willingness to try out different approaches, even if they are unfamiliar or challenging at first. They understand that growth often involves discomfort, and they are open to receiving constructive feedback as a part of the process not as criticism, but as a guide for progress. Ultimately, this client sees therapy as a collaborative effort. They are ready to do the work, take ownership of their experiences, and strive toward meaningful, lasting change.
An individual’s thoughts and behaviors have a significant impact on their emotions and actions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients recognize and identify negative thought patterns and negative behaviors. I encourage clients to examine these patterns, understand how they are connected, and explore the impact they have on their emotional well-being. Clients are also encouraged to challenge and reshape their negative thoughts and behaviors, ultimately replacing them with more positive, constructive alternatives.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) encourages clients to shift their focus away from problems and stressors and instead concentrate on identifying potential solutions. This approach allows for me to assist clients’ in identifying their strengths and resources while supporting clients as they start to envision their preferred future. I will work collaboratively with clients to set clear, achievable goals that empower them to overcome obstacles and move toward meaningful change.