New to Grow
Hi, I'm so glad you're here! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Valdosta State University. I was born and raised in Nebraska but have made Georgia my home, and I truly love it here. I became a therapist because I genuinely care about people and believe that everyone deserves access to compassionate, meaningful support. I know that reaching out for help is not always easy, and I want you to know that taking that step says a lot about your strength and your commitment to yourself. My goal is to make sure that from the moment you connect with me, you feel welcome, heard, and comfortable. I am an animal lover through and through, and that love has found a natural home in my clinical practice. I incorporate pet therapy into my work with clients, and I have seen firsthand the incredible impact that a furry friend can have on even the most difficult days. Whether it helps break the ice, ease anxiety, or simply bring a moment of joy into a hard season, it is one of my favorite tools to offer. Outside of my passion for animals, I am deeply committed to doing work that matters. I show up for my clients with honesty, warmth, and a whole lot of heart. I believe in meeting people where they are, walking alongside them through the hard stuff, and celebrating the wins along the way — big and small. If you are looking for a therapist who will be real with you, root for you, and work hard alongside you, I would love to connect. I can't wait to meet you.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and lay the foundation for our work together. We will begin by reviewing confidentiality and what that means for your care, as well as walking through the therapy process so you know what to expect going forward. From there, we will explore what brought you to therapy and what you are hoping to get out of it, identifying your goals and what you would like our work together to focus on. Beyond the logistics, I want your first session to feel like a safe and welcoming space. There is no pressure to have everything figured out or to share more than you are comfortable with. My goal is for you to leave that first session feeling heard, understood, and confident that you are in the right place. Therapy is a process, and the first step is simply showing up — I will take it from there.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My approach is grounded in genuine connection and meeting clients where they are. I prioritize building a strong therapeutic alliance, recognizing that the relationship between therapist and client is foundational to meaningful progress. I draw from evidence-based modalities including CBT and mindfulness-based techniques, tailoring interventions to each client's unique needs and goals rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. I place a strong emphasis on validation — helping clients feel truly heard and understood before moving toward change. I believe that feeling seen is often the first step toward healing. From there, I work collaboratively with clients to identify patterns, develop practical coping skills, and build the insight needed to create lasting change. I also incorporate animal-assisted intervention (pet therapy) into my practice, which has proven to be a powerful tool in building rapport, reducing anxiety, and increasing emotional engagement, particularly with clients who are guarded or resistant to traditional therapeutic approaches. What I hear most from clients is that they feel safe in session, that they leave with clarity they did not have when they arrived, and that the work we do together translates into real, noticeable changes in their daily lives. I am direct but compassionate, and I am committed to showing up fully for every client I serve.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and interfere with daily functioning. Through a collaborative and skill-based approach, clients develop practical tools to shift their thinking, manage symptoms, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I incorporate mindfulness-based techniques to help clients develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and physical experiences in the present moment. This approach supports clients in building a healthier relationship with their inner experience, reducing stress and anxiety, and cultivating a greater sense of calm and emotional balance in their daily lives.