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

I typically invite my patients to reveal as little or as much as they feel safe in doing so for the first session. Typically, we spend time discussing what brings you in and what you hope to gain from therapy as well as any concerns or questions you may have. However, I am flexible to your various needs. The first meeting is primarily about building trust, clarifying direction and beginning a meaningful therapeutic partnership. For my practice, this process takes priority over simply "gathering information." You can also expect a discussion surrounding: A clear explanation of confidentiality and its limits Current challenges and stressors Emotional patterns or symptoms Space for you to ask questions about the process Many clients leave their first session feeling relieved, grounded, and hopeful—because they finally have a dedicated space that is entirely focused on their growth and wellbeing.

The treatment methods and tools I utilize

I view distress from the lens of psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral theories. This means that while I believe a lot of distress stems from negative and traumatic early life experiences, most suffering occurs in how we think, believe, and feel about ourselves as a result of these events. I help clients find insight into their dysfunction and challenge them to make different decisions that can help them have better lives. I also utilize mindfulness techniques, grounding work, deep-breathing techniques, and progressive relaxation which are particularly effective for mood, dissociative, and trauma-related disorders. Additionally, I educate clients on the mechanisms of their disorders and assign homework to reinforce the material discussed in sessions.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

Relationally, clients would say that one of my best assets is having an inviting and approachable presence. Therapy is often considered scary because people fear they won’t be heard or seen but my clients appreciate the sense of safety I provide in our sessions. This safety may be influenced by my experience of serving people from various walks of life. I’ve learned that no matter which culture or issues someone has, people ultimately want peace. I am very trauma-informed and understand how much these events can affect one’s life. I welcome difficult conversations with my clients and they often value the honest observations I share to help them see the blind spots that could be hindering true growth.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I feel best suited to work with patients who need support and guidance to confront difficulty truths and those who desire to increase their insight into how they relate to themselves and others.