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

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin building a comfortable, trusting relationship. I understand that starting therapy can feel both hopeful and a little nerve-wracking, so my goal is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and respected from the very beginning. During this initial meeting, we will talk about what brings you (or your child) to therapy. I will ask questions about current concerns, recent stressors, and any patterns you’ve noticed in thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. We may also review relevant background information such as family dynamics, school experiences, medical history, or previous counseling experiences. This helps me gain a full understanding of your story and the context surrounding your concerns. For children and adolescents, I structure the session in a developmentally appropriate way. Younger clients may engage in conversation through play-based or interactive activities to help them feel comfortable. With teens, I prioritize creating a nonjudgmental space where they can speak openly. When appropriate, part of the session may include time with caregivers and time individually with the youth to ensure everyone feels supported. We will also discuss your goals for therapy. What would you like to see change? What would progress look like for you? Together, we will begin identifying clear, meaningful goals and outline an initial plan for how we will work toward them. I will explain my approach, including how I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based strategies to help clients build practical coping skills and create lasting change. The first session is primarily focused on assessment and understanding. There is no pressure to share everything at once, and you do not need to have the “right words.” We will move at a pace that feels manageable. If there are immediate concerns or urgent stressors, we will address those as well. By the end of our first session, you can expect to have: • A clearer understanding of how therapy will work • An opportunity to ask questions about the process • Initial goals identified • A sense of next steps moving forward Most importantly, you can expect to feel supported. Therapy is a collaborative process, and our work together will be built on trust, respect, and shared commitment to growth.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to balance warmth with structure. Clients often share that they feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported in our sessions, while also appreciating the clear direction and practical tools I provide. I believe therapy should feel safe and validating, but it should also lead to meaningful, measurable growth. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which allows me to help clients clearly understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I excel at breaking down complex emotional experiences into manageable, teachable skills. Clients leave sessions not only feeling better understood, but equipped with strategies they can immediately apply in real-life situations. This skills-based, goal-oriented framework often leads to noticeable improvements in emotional regulation, decision-making, and overall functioning. Another strength is my ability to connect with children and adolescents in a way that feels authentic and developmentally appropriate. I know how to meet young clients where they are—whether that means incorporating interactive tools, structured exercises, or reflective dialogue. Even clients who may begin therapy feeling hesitant often become more engaged as trust builds. I am intentional about creating an environment where youth feel respected, not judged or lectured. Consistency and accountability are additional strengths in my practice. I help clients set clear, realistic goals and track their progress over time. I am intentional about identifying measurable outcomes and celebrating growth, which helps build motivation and confidence. Clients often report feeling more self-aware, resilient, and capable of handling stress independently as therapy progresses. Finally, one of the most meaningful strengths I bring is my commitment to empowerment. I do not position myself as the “fixer,” but rather as a guide who helps clients discover their own strengths and build sustainable coping skills. My goal is for clients to leave therapy not only with symptom relief, but with long-term tools, insight, and confidence to navigate future challenges successfully. My therapeutic approach is a combination of compassion, clarity, evidence-based practice, and a strong commitment to helping clients experience real, lasting change.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal clients are children, adolescents, and families who are navigating emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges and are ready to engage in a collaborative process of growth and change. I am best positioned to serve young people who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, behavioral concerns, school-related stress, low self-esteem, family transitions, or the impact of trauma. I also work well with caregivers who are seeking guidance, structure, and practical tools to better support their child’s emotional and behavioral development. Many of the clients I work best with feel overwhelmed by big emotions. They may describe themselves as worriers, overthinkers, easily frustrated, withdrawn, or misunderstood. Some experience persistent anxiety that interferes with school performance, peer relationships, sleep, or daily functioning. Others may feel sadness, irritability, or discouragement that makes it difficult to stay motivated or hopeful. I am particularly well suited to support youth who have difficulty managing intense feelings and need concrete strategies to regulate emotions in healthy, productive ways. I am also well positioned to serve adolescents who are navigating identity development, peer pressure, academic stress, and shifting family dynamics. These clients often benefit from a space where they can speak openly without fear of judgment. They may want support building confidence, improving communication skills, setting boundaries, or strengthening decision-making skills. I work well with teens who are thoughtful, reflective, and curious about themselves, as well as those who may initially be hesitant but are willing to gradually engage in the therapeutic process. In addition, I support clients experiencing life transitions such as parental separation, relocation, changes in school placement, family conflict, grief, or exposure to family stress. These transitions can create confusion, anxiety, and behavioral changes. I help clients process these experiences while building coping skills that increase resilience and adaptability. My approach is structured yet compassionate, helping clients feel both supported and challenged in ways that promote growth. Families who value collaboration and consistency tend to benefit greatly from working with me. I believe meaningful change occurs when caregivers are engaged in the process and open to learning strategies that reinforce therapeutic skills at home. I work best