New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, resilience, and confidence. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, process difficult emotions, and build practical skills for lasting change. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each person, with a focus on helping clients feel more in control of their lives and aligned with what matters most to them.
In our first session, my goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and supported. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, so we will move at a pace that feels right for you—there is no pressure to share anything you are not ready to discuss. We will begin by talking about what brings you to therapy and what you’re hoping to get out of the process. I may ask some questions about your background, current challenges, and any relevant history to better understand your experiences. This helps me get a clearer picture of how to best support you moving forward. You can also expect this to be a collaborative conversation. I want to get to know you as a person, not just your concerns, and understand what has and hasn’t worked for you in the past. If you have goals in mind, we can begin identifying those together, and if you’re unsure, we can explore that as well. I will also take time to explain how I approach therapy, answer any questions you may have, and make sure you feel comfortable with the process. By the end of the session, we will typically have a general idea of your goals and next steps, whether that includes building coping skills, processing past experiences, or focusing on specific areas of growth. Most importantly, the first session is about building a foundation of trust and understanding. My goal is for you to leave feeling supported, with a clearer sense of direction and what working together will look like.
My greatest strengths as a therapist are my ability to create a safe, supportive environment while also helping clients move toward meaningful change. I strive to balance empathy with gentle challenge, so clients feel understood while also being encouraged to grow. I take a collaborative and individualized approach, recognizing that each person’s experiences and needs are unique. I integrate evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care to provide both insight and practical tools that clients can apply in their daily lives. I am particularly skilled at helping clients identify patterns—especially in relationships, emotional responses, and thought processes—and supporting them in breaking cycles that no longer serve them. I also focus on building emotional regulation, coping skills, and self-awareness so clients can feel more in control and confident in navigating challenges. Clients often find that they not only gain a deeper understanding of themselves, but also leave sessions with concrete strategies they can use, leading to real, lasting improvements in their overall well-being.
I am best positioned to support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions who are seeking both emotional support and practical tools for change. Many of the clients I work well with feel overwhelmed, stuck in patterns they don’t fully understand, or are struggling to manage intense emotions while balancing daily responsibilities. I work particularly well with clients who are motivated to better understand themselves and are open to exploring how past experiences may be impacting their current thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. This includes individuals who have experienced unhealthy or abusive relationship patterns and want to break those cycles, as well as those looking to build healthier coping skills and improve emotional regulation. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and goal-oriented. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable being open while also gently challenging them to grow. I integrate evidence-based approaches to help clients increase self-awareness, strengthen coping strategies, and move toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. I also work well with clients who are seeking greater independence, improved functioning, and increased confidence in navigating life’s challenges. Whether the goal is healing from past trauma, managing anxiety more effectively, or building a more stable and empowered sense of self, I aim to meet clients where they are and support meaningful, lasting change.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients build psychological flexibility and develop a healthier relationship with their thoughts and emotions. I have experience integrating ACT principles such as mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based action to support clients in moving forward in meaningful ways, even in the presence of distress. In my practice, I focus on helping clients identify their core values, increase present-moment awareness, and reduce avoidance patterns so they can live more aligned and fulfilling lives.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that impact their emotions and behaviors. I have experience using CBT techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and skill-building to support clients in developing healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies. In my practice, I work collaboratively with clients to increase awareness of the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to create practical, goal-oriented changes that improve overall functioning.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients in building skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. I have experience incorporating DBT techniques to help clients manage intense emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and improve relationships. In my practice, I focus on teaching practical, skills-based strategies while also validating clients’ experiences, helping them find balance between acceptance and change.
Trauma Informed Care
I practice from a trauma-informed care perspective, recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and its influence on a client’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I have experience creating a safe, supportive environment that emphasizes trust, empowerment, and collaboration. In my work, I prioritize client autonomy, avoid re-traumatization, and integrate an understanding of trauma into all aspects of treatment to support healing and resilience.
Narrative
I utilize Narrative Therapy to help clients explore and reframe the stories they tell about themselves and their experiences. I have experience supporting clients in identifying dominant narratives that may be limiting or shaped by past challenges, and working collaboratively to develop more empowering, strengths-based perspectives. In my practice, I focus on externalizing problems, highlighting resilience, and helping clients reconnect with their values and personal agency.