Hello there! I chose to become a counselor because I saw a gap in services for those from the LGBTIQA+ and neurodivergent communities. As a member of these communities, it was incredibly important to me that they have the same opportunity to receive quality, knowledgeable services as their straight, cisgender, neurotypical peers. As someone with a background in theatre, I enjoy bringing my creativity into session and believe that the arts can be incredibly healing. After receiving my master's from the University of Central Florida in 2020, I started my private practice and have continued to grow since then. I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. and hope to educate future counselors and conduct research regarding counseling practices for neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ folks.
I always begin my first session by providing space for clients to ask questions and express any concerns they may have about myself or the counseling process. After this, we will explore your previous experiences with your mental health, counseling, and psychiatry (if applicable). Finally, we'll discuss what brought you to this counseling experience and establish your hopes and goals.
I've found that one of my greatest strengths as a counselor is my honesty and ability to reflect critically on the world around us. I've found that my clients appreciate the knowledge and empathy I've gained from my personal experiences which fuels my desire for continued growth and learning. I recognize that there isn't one approach that works for all and I do my best to curate my approach to match each client's needs.
I love working with folks from the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities! My clients are passionate about learning and growing while challenging the social constructs that haven't been serving them. My clients often join me in asking tough questions and working towards honesty and authenticity.
Through my experience, I've found that existential therapy is incredibly beneficial for marginalized communities as it helps create meaning and focuses on freedom of choice. This modality can help you to better understand your own beliefs and values, as well as how those apply within your life!
I use ACT within my practice as an alternative to other cognitive-behavioral modalities, such as CBT. I've found that ACT resonates with my clients by helping them accept the aspects of our situation that are out of our control while making mindful choices about the behaviors we can control. I particularly love using cognitive defusion techniques, which help my clients decrease the power that thoughts can have over their feelings and actions.
As a nonbinary counselor, I am incredibly passionate about providing gender-affirming care. I have worked with many clients to explore their gender identity, presentation, and transition goals. I am happy to help clients find resources to pursue their transition dreams at their own pace and have experience writing letters for HRT and gender-affirming surgeries. I encourage my clients to enjoy the journey and have fun with the process.
As a theatre kid, I appreciate the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on our lives. Narrative therapy allows me to help clients see the stories they tell themselves and how these influence their perceptions of their worth and ability. Narrative therapy allows for creativity while clients rewrite their narratives to remove bias.