New to Grow
I believe healing begins the moment someone feels truly seen, supported, and understood. With more than a decade of experience, I work with both children and adults, helping them navigate life’s challenges in ways that feel steady, compassionate, and empowering. Inspired by the Appalachian Mountains and the winding rails that run through them, my practice is built around the idea of journeying together toward new horizons—meeting you where you are and walking beside you at a pace that feels right. I currently see children ages 5 and older for trauma counseling and adults who are navigating mental health concerns, life transitions, or changes related to substance use or sobriety.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Whether I’m working with a child or an adult, the first session is focused on creating safety, understanding, and clarity about what support may look like moving forward. For children, caregivers play an important role in the process. During the initial assessment, the caregiver and child will meet together with me and complete screenings to help us better understand trauma responses, strengths, and treatment needs. When appropriate, caregivers remain involved throughout therapy to strengthen communication and support healing at home. For adults, the first session is a chance for us to get to know one another and talk about what brings you to counseling. We’ll review your intake and screenings, explore your goals, and discuss how therapy can support you. This session is about building a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported from the very beginning.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My work is grounded in evidence-based care, compassion, and respect for each person’s readiness and pace. With children and teens, I use Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to help them understand how trauma can affect thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we gently build coping skills to manage big feelings, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and restore a sense of safety and control. TF-CBT a controlled, safe “re-telling” of the traumatic memory in the present tense, like watching a movie of their own experience, to help their brain process it, reduce its emotional power, and integrate it, making it less distressing over time. Grounding techniques and support are used to manage the intensity. It’s about regaining control and understand, not just re-experiencing pain, and it’s done step-by-step at the child's pace. With adults, my approach is direct but deeply caring. I meet you exactly where you are—without judgment or pressure—and help you clarify what matters most to you. Using a holistic, strengths-based lens, we’ll explore underlying patterns, build effective coping strategies, and work toward changes that feel meaningful and sustainable.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I’m well-suited to work with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma and have enough stability to begin gentle, structured trauma work, with caregiver support when appropriate. I also work with adults who feel overwhelmed, burned out, or disconnected, including those navigating anxiety, mood concerns, life transitions, or questions around substance use—or simply seeking a space to slow down and feel supported. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start therapy. If you know something needs to shift and you’re ready for support that feels grounded, genuine, and collaborative, we may be a great fit. I’d be honored to walk beside you—or your child—as you move toward healing and your next horizon.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
We’ll look at the thoughts that cause you stress and see if they’re really true or helpful. Then, we’ll practice new ways of thinking and try out small changes in your daily life to see what works better for you.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
We'll focus on noticing your thoughts and feelings without fighting them, so they don’t control your life. At the same time, we’ll identify your values—what really matters to you—and take small, meaningful steps toward living in line with them.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
We’ll practice skills to help you manage intense emotions, build healthier relationships, and stay grounded in the present. Together, we’ll use tools like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness so you feel more balanced and in control.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
We’ll practice paying attention to the present moment with openness and curiosity, instead of getting caught up in worries or regrets. This helps you notice your thoughts and feelings without judgment, so you can respond with calm and clarity rather than reacting automatically.
Trauma-Focused CBT
We'll work together to develop coping skills, support emotional regulation, and help your child process traumatic experiences in a safe, gradual way while involving caregivers when appropriate to support healing at home.