(she/her)
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor providing virtual therapy for adults and couples who are ready to move beyond feeling stuck and begin creating meaningful, lasting change. Many of the clients I work with appear to be managing on the outside, while internally navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, relationship strain, or difficulty expressing their needs. If you find yourself overthinking, reacting instead of responding, or repeating patterns that no longer serve you, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. My approach is structured, intentional, and insight-oriented. I focus on helping you strengthen your emotional intelligence—how you understand, manage, and communicate your emotions—because this is the foundation for healthier relationships, clearer decision-making, and improved overall well-being. Together, we will identify patterns, explore the root of your challenges, and develop practical tools that help you respond with clarity and confidence rather than impulse or avoidance. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem challenges, and emotional fatigue, as well as couples working through communication breakdowns, trust concerns, and disconnection. Therapy with me is an active process. It requires honesty, consistency, and a willingness to do the work, but it also creates the opportunity for real, sustainable growth. If you’re ready to invest in yourself, better understand how you operate emotionally, and begin showing up differently in your life and relationships, this is a space where that work can begin.
Beginning therapy is a meaningful step, and it’s normal to come in with a mix of curiosity, uncertainty, or even hesitation. My goal in our first session is to create a space where you feel comfortable, respected, and understood—while also setting a clear, structured foundation for the work we will do together. We will start by briefly reviewing informed consent, confidentiality, and how therapy works within my practice. This includes expectations around privacy, session structure, attendance, and your rights as a client. I want you to feel informed and empowered from the very beginning, so there is always room for questions. From there, the focus shifts to you. I will invite you to share what brings you to therapy at this time. You can expect open-ended questions that allow you to describe your current concerns in your own words—whether that involves anxiety, emotional overwhelm, relationship challenges, life transitions, or feeling stuck in patterns that are difficult to break. There is no pressure to “have it all figured out.” The first session is about understanding where you are, not expecting perfection in how you express it. We will explore your current emotional experience, including how your concerns are affecting your day-to-day functioning—your mood, sleep, relationships, decision-making, and overall sense of well-being. I will also ask about the frequency and intensity of what you’re experiencing to better understand the clinical picture and begin identifying patterns. If applicable, we may briefly touch on relevant history, such as past therapy experiences, significant life events, or longstanding challenges that may be influencing your present situation. An important part of this process is identifying how you typically respond to stress and emotions. Many clients come into therapy feeling reactive, overwhelmed, or unsure how to manage what they’re feeling. In our first session, I begin assessing emotional awareness, regulation patterns, and communication style. This helps guide how we approach treatment moving forward, particularly if our work will involve strengthening emotional intelligence—your ability to understand, manage, and respond to emotions in a more intentional and effective way. If you are coming in as part of a relationship dynamic (even in an individual session), we will explore how your current concerns show up in your interactions with others. This may include communication patterns, trust issues, conflict cycles, or difficulty expressing needs. The goal is not to assign blame, but to increase clarity and awareness around what is happening and why. You can also expect a brief screening for safety. I will ask direct but standard questions about any history of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or thoughts of harm toward others. This is a routine part of ethical care and helps ensure that you are supported appropriately. If there are any immediate concerns, we will address them together in a way that prioritizes your safety and well-being. Throughout the session, my approach is both supportive and structured. I will listen carefully, reflect back what I’m hearing, and begin helping you make connections between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. At the same time, I may gently challenge patterns or perspectives that appear to be contributing to your distress. This is done respectfully and collaboratively, with the goal of helping you gain insight—not to judge or criticize. By the second half of the session, we begin shifting toward direction and focus. Therapy with me is not passive; it is intentional and goal-oriented. We will start identifying what you would like to gain from therapy. This may include improving emotional regulation, strengthening communication, increasing self-confidence, navigating a specific life transition, or addressing relationship concerns. If you’re unsure of your goals, that’s okay—we will work together to clarify them over time. I will also share my initial clinical impressions and recommendations. This may include the suggested frequency of sessions (typically weekly to start), the general approach we will take, and what you can expect in terms of pacing and progression. If additional support is recommended—such as psychiatric consultation or coordination with another provider—I will discuss that with you as well. Before the session ends, we will check in on how the experience felt for you. Therapy is a collaborative process, and it’s important that you feel a sense of connection and alignment. You are encouraged to share any questions, concerns, or preferences. This is your space, and your voice matters in shaping how we work together. You may also receive a simple between-session reflection or task—not as pressure, but as an opportunity to begin applying insight outside of session. Real change happens not only in the therapy room, but in how you engage with your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in your daily life. It’s important to understand that the first session is just the starting point. You are not expected to resolve everything in one meeting. Instead, you can expect to leave with a clearer understanding of your current challenges, a sense of direction, and the beginning of a therapeutic relationship built on trust, honesty, and intention. Therapy requires investment—emotionally, mentally, and sometimes practically. But when you show up willing to engage in the process, it creates the opportunity for meaningful, lasting change. My role is to guide, support, and challenge you in ways that help you better understand yourself, strengthen your emotional intelligence, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. If you come into this process open and committed, the work we do together can be both transformative and empowering.
My greatest strength as a clinician lies in my ability to balance a deeply humanistic approach with a structured, intentional style that challenges clients to go beyond surface-level insight and engage in meaningful, lasting change. I do not view therapy as a passive process. I see it as a collaborative, purposeful space where clients are supported, but also gently pushed to examine what is beneath their patterns, behaviors, and emotional responses. This balance—of empathy and challenge—is what allows the work to be both safe and transformative. At the core of my work is a humanistic foundation. I believe that every individual has inherent value, the capacity for growth, and the ability to create change when given the right environment. My role is to provide that environment—one that is nonjudgmental, grounded, and emotionally attuned. Clients who work with me often report feeling seen, heard, and understood in ways they have not experienced before. This is not accidental; it is intentional. I listen closely, I track emotional shifts, and I make space for clients to show up as they are, without pressure to perform or present themselves in a certain way. However, what differentiates my approach is that I do not allow empathy to become a place of stagnation. While validation is essential, it is not the end goal. I believe that insight without action does not lead to change. For this reason, I actively challenge clients to take a deeper look at themselves—how they think, how they feel, and how they behave. I guide them in identifying patterns that may be familiar but no longer effective, and I help them understand the root of those patterns so they can begin to shift them with intention. This “deep dive” approach requires trust, and I am mindful of pacing. I do not force clients into areas they are not ready to explore, but I do not collude with avoidance either. I pay attention to where clients hesitate, where they deflect, and where they minimize, and I use those moments as opportunities for growth. My approach is direct, but never harsh. It is grounded in respect, curiosity, and a genuine investment in the client’s progress. A significant component of my work is helping clients strengthen their emotional intelligence. Many individuals come into therapy feeling overwhelmed by their emotions or disconnected from them entirely. They may struggle to identify what they are feeling, understand why they are feeling it, or respond in ways that align with their values. I help clients slow down this process. Together, we examine emotional triggers, thought patterns, and behavioral responses. Over time, clients begin to move from reacting impulsively to responding with clarity and intention. This work is especially impactful in the context of relationships. Whether working with individuals or couples, I often see that communication breakdowns, trust issues, and recurring conflict are rooted in unexamined emotional patterns. My strength lies in helping clients connect the internal experience to the external behavior. When clients understand how their emotions influence how they show up in relationships, they gain the ability to communicate more effectively, set clearer boundaries, and engage in healthier interactions. Another key aspect of my strength is my ability to maintain structure within the therapeutic process. While therapy is flexible and responsive to the client’s needs, it is also goal-oriented. I help clients define what progress looks like and keep that focus present throughout our work. This includes identifying specific goals, tracking patterns, and evaluating what is and is not working. Clients are not left wondering if therapy is helping; we actively assess progress and adjust as needed. I also recognize that change requires effort beyond the therapy session. For this reason, I encourage clients to engage in reflection and practice between sessions. This might include journaling, practicing new communication strategies, or becoming more aware of emotional responses in real time. I frame this not as “homework,” but as an extension of the work we are doing together. The goal is to help clients integrate what they are learning into their daily lives, where real change occurs. At the same time, I remain attuned to each client’s capacity. I understand that life circumstances, stress levels, and external factors can impact how much a client is able to engage at any given time. My role is not to overwhelm, but to guide. I meet clients where they are while also helping them move forward. This balance is critical in maintaining both engagement and progress. Clients who benefit most from my approach are those who are ready to invest in themselves. They may not have all the answers, but they are willing to explore, reflect, and take ownership of their growth. They understand that therapy is not about being “fixed,” but about developing the tools and insight needed to navigate life more effectively. Ultimately, my greatest strength is my ability to create a therapeutic space that is both supportive and activating. Clients are not only understood—they are challenged to think differently, feel more deeply, and act with greater intention. This combination allows for work that is not only insightful, but transformative. I take pride in helping clients move beyond awareness into action, beyond reaction into intentionality, and beyond feeling stuck into creating meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
I work with adults (18+) and couples navigating emotional overwhelm, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Many of my clients appear “fine” on the outside but feel stuck, disconnected, or mentally exhausted on the inside. They may struggle with overthinking, self-doubt, low self-worth, difficulty setting boundaries, or communicating their needs effectively. I also support couples experiencing communication breakdowns, recurring conflict, emotional distance, or challenges with trust and unmet expectations. They want to feel connected again but are unsure how to move forward without repeating the same patterns. My approach is compassionate, empathetic, and direct. I believe meaningful change starts with mindset—understanding how your thoughts, past experiences, and patterns are shaping your current reality. I provide a structured, supportive space where clients can gain clarity, build emotional awareness, and develop healthier ways of thinking, communicating, and relating. I work best with clients who are open to self-reflection and ready to move beyond surface-level coping. You don’t have to have everything figured out, but you do need a willingness to be honest, do the work, and challenge what’s no longer serving you. Together, we focus on improving communication, strengthening boundaries, building confidence, and creating more intentional, fulfilling lives and relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as one of the foundational approaches in my clinical practice. Over the years, I have found CBT to be an empowering and effective framework for helping clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how these patterns influence their overall well-being. In my work with adolescents, adults, and couples, I use CBT to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns, challenge cognitive distortions, and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding to life’s stressors. Whether a client is struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, or difficulty adjusting to major life transitions, CBT provides practical tools that foster greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. In session, I work collaboratively with clients to: Explore how core beliefs and automatic thoughts shape emotional reactions and behavior. Introduce evidence-based strategies such as reframing, journaling, mindfulness, and behavioral activation. Develop coping skills that promote resilience, balanced thinking, and intentional action. My approach to CBT is both structured and compassionate—I emphasize insight, but also personal growth and accountability. Clients are encouraged to practice new skills between sessions, applying what they learn in real-world situations to create meaningful, lasting change. Ultimately, I view CBT as more than a technique—it’s a tool for empowerment and transformation, helping individuals move from merely coping to thriving, as they reclaim control over their thoughts, emotions, and life direction.
Couples Counseling
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I specialize in helping couples rebuild communication, emotional connection, and trust within their relationships. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in helping each partner feel seen, heard, and understood. In my work with couples, I integrate elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) used to identify negative interaction patterns and replace them with healthier, more productive ways of relating. I help couples move beyond blame to explore the underlying emotions and unmet needs that fuel conflict, distance, or resentment. Together, we work on: Improving communication and emotional responsiveness Identifying and breaking unhealthy relationship cycles Rebuilding trust after emotional or physical betrayal Navigating stressors such as parenting, intimacy concerns, and lifestyle changes Strengthening emotional safety, respect, and partnership My role is not to take sides, but to create a safe therapeutic space where both individuals can express their truth, reflect on their patterns, and begin the process of healing. I believe that when couples learn to communicate with empathy, accountability, and curiosity, they can transform even long-standing patterns of disconnection into opportunities for deeper understanding and growth.
Humanistic
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I incorporate a Humanistic approach at the heart of my therapeutic work. I believe that every individual possesses an innate capacity for growth, healing, and self-understanding when provided with the right environment of empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. In my practice, I view clients as the experts of their own experiences. My role is to walk alongside them—helping them reconnect with their strengths, values, and inner wisdom—rather than to direct or define their path. Using a Humanistic framework allows me to create a therapeutic space that is nonjudgmental, compassionate, and deeply client-centered, where individuals can explore their emotions, identity, and life purpose with safety and openness. Through this approach, I help clients cultivate self-acceptance, personal empowerment, and emotional awareness, fostering a stronger connection between their thoughts, feelings, and authentic self. Whether working with individuals or couples, my goal is to guide clients toward greater clarity, resilience, and fulfillment by supporting their journey toward becoming the fullest, most genuine version of themselves.
Trauma Informed Care
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, my work is grounded in Trauma-Informed Care, which recognizes the profound impact that trauma can have on an individual’s emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. I understand that trauma is not defined solely by the event itself but by the lasting effects it has on a person’s sense of safety, trust, and self-worth. In my practice, I strive to create a safe, empowering, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where clients feel respected, supported, and in control of their healing process. My trauma-informed approach is rooted in compassion and guided by the principles of safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity. I help clients gently explore how past experiences may be influencing their current thoughts, emotions, and relationships while ensuring that the pace of therapy always honors their readiness and boundaries. I also integrate evidence-based interventions—including elements of CBT, mindfulness, and grounding techniques—to help clients regulate emotions, reduce distress, and rebuild a sense of stability and self-agency. Above all, I believe that healing from trauma is possible. My role is to support each client in reclaiming their voice, restoring their sense of safety, and reconnecting with their inner resilience and capacity for growth.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I incorporate a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approach to help clients identify strengths, recognize progress, and create meaningful change. My work centers on the belief that clients already possess the inner resources and resilience needed to overcome their challenges — therapy simply helps uncover and activate those strengths. In session, I collaborate with clients to clarify their goals, explore what’s already working, and develop practical, achievable steps toward desired outcomes. This approach empowers individuals and couples to shift from problem-saturated thinking to a more hopeful, action-oriented perspective. I often use solution-focused techniques to help clients manage anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and self-esteem concerns, guiding them toward greater clarity and confidence. My goal is to help clients move forward feeling more capable, balanced, and in control of their emotional well-being — one intentional step at a time.
6 ratings with written reviews
March 31, 2026
She’s open minded, warm yet direct. She challenges me in the areas that I need to be challenged and helps me feel like I’m on the right path for growth.
March 10, 2026
She comes from a place of understanding and open-mindedness without lacking directness. She makes me feel like she’s a safe place to learn and start my healing journey.
March 3, 2026
I enjoyed my first session with Patricia. She asked me questions that made me think and I look forward to meeting her again.