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

Starting therapy can bring up a mix of emotions—curiosity, hope, nervousness, or even uncertainty. In our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know one another and creating a space where you feel comfortable, respected, and supported. We’ll begin with introductions and talk about what has brought you to therapy at this point in your life. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as feels right—there is no expectation to tell your entire story right away. I’ll ask questions to better understand your current concerns, what you’re hoping to change, and what has or hasn’t been helpful for you in the past. We’ll also spend time discussing your goals for therapy and any questions or concerns you may have about the process or about working together. This is an opportunity for you to get a sense of my approach and to decide whether this feels like a good fit. Therapy works best when you feel safe, heard, and confident in the relationship, and I welcome open conversation about your needs and preferences. During the first session, I’ll gather some background information to help me understand you more fully, including relevant history that may be impacting you now. This helps me begin developing an individualized, thoughtful plan tailored to your goals, strengths, and pace. For some people, the first session brings a sense of relief; for others, it may simply feel like a starting point. Both are completely normal. Above all, the first session is not about fixing everything at once. It’s about beginning a collaborative process focused on understanding, support, and meaningful change over time.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths as a clinician is the breadth of settings and populations I’ve worked with over time. Having experience in both short-term, high-acuity environments and longer-term therapeutic work allows me to support clients who need immediate relief while also holding a long-term view of healing and growth. Some clients come to therapy in crisis, needing practical strategies to stabilize symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm. Others arrive ready to explore deeper patterns shaped by trauma, relationships, or long-standing coping strategies. I’m comfortable working across this range and tailoring our work to what you need most right now—whether that’s symptom relief, deeper processing, or a combination of both. My clinical background includes working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, individuals with dual diagnoses, and those living with chronic mental illness. This experience has taught me to approach therapy with humility, steadiness, and respect for complexity. I do not assume that one approach fits everyone, and I am attentive to how safety, pacing, and choice play a central role in meaningful healing. I take a trauma-informed and nervous-system-aware approach to therapy. This means we move at a pace that feels manageable, grounded, and responsive to your body as well as your thoughts and emotions. Many people have spent years pushing through distress or intellectualizing their experiences; part of my work is helping clients reconnect with themselves in a way that feels safe and sustainable. I also integrate expressive and somatic therapies into my work when appropriate. Modalities such as sandtray therapy, imagery, and body-based awareness can be especially helpful when words feel limited or when experiences are stored more in the body than in conscious memory. These approaches allow clients to explore emotions and patterns in a non-linear, creative way that often leads to deeper insight and relief. All expressive work is offered collaboratively and never required—your comfort and consent guide the process. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I bring lived understanding to my work with clients navigating identity, belonging, relationships, and the impact of marginalization or misunderstanding. I strive to offer an affirming, nonjudgmental space where all parts of you are welcome. My goal is not to assume shared experiences, but to approach identity-related concerns with cultural humility, openness, and respect. Across all of my work, I prioritize collaboration. Therapy is not something I do to you—it is something we build together. I value transparency, feedback, and ongoing conversation about what is and isn’t working so that our work remains responsive and meaningful. Ultimately, my strength as a clinician lies in my ability to meet people where they are, offer practical support when it’s needed most, and hold space for deeper healing over time. I work to help clients not only feel better, but understand themselves more fully and move forward with greater clarity, self-trust, and stability.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I enjoy working with trauma survivors, college students, individuals in recovery, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Many of my clients have been managing symptoms of anxiety or depression on their own for some time and are reaching a point where they’re ready for additional support. They often come to therapy feeling tired of coping alone and willing to take the step of committing to the process—learning tools, developing insight, and making changes that support greater emotional stability and fulfillment. My ideal clients are open to reflection, curious about themselves, and motivated to build lives that feel healthier, more balanced, and aligned with their values.