(he/him)
As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and licensed clinical addictions specialist associate (LCASA), I am passionate about empowering individuals to harness their strengths and navigate life's challenges. At Comfort Counseling Cafe Corporation, I am committed to providing a warm and comfortable environment where clients can explore their unique journeys. As the owner, my mission is to foster resilience and well-being through a collaborative and supportive therapeutic experience.
During the initial sessions, I prioritize the intake process as an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We engage in open conversations about our respective strengths, fostering a mutual understanding. Additionally, we begin exploring potential goals, laying the foundation for a collaborative and purposeful therapeutic journey.
My strengths as a therapist lie in guiding clients to discover and leverage their own strengths, fostering empowerment and resilience. Known for my understanding, easy-going demeanor, and empathic approach, I create a comfortable space where individuals can explore their challenges comfortably. Flexibility is a cornerstone of my practice, allowing me to tailor interventions to each client's unique needs, promoting a collaborative and effective therapeutic journey.
Therapy for Men When Life Feels Heavy and You’re Expected to perform. There can be constant pressure to be the provider, the protector, or the one who holds everything together. Many men have been taught that showing emotion makes them weak or that vulnerability is not an option. Inside, it may be hard to find the right words for feelings. When a partner asks for more communication, shutting down or becoming avoidant often happen not out of disinterest, but because no one ever taught these skills. Overthinking conversations, replaying situations, and carrying anxiety beneath the surface are common. From the outside, life may appear capable and successful, yet internally there is often a disconnection from emotions. LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy When Being Yourself Doesn’t Feel Safe Constant monitoring of acceptable parts of oneself can create anxiety, people-pleasing, fear of rejection, or internalized shame, leading to exhaustion or disconnection. Cultural, religious, or family expectations may have framed identity as something to manage rather than embrace. Therapy for Neurodivergent Adults When the World Feels Overstimulating or Misaligned Overwhelm, misunderstanding, or emotional drain are common. Anxiety, overthinking, or sensory overload can make everyday life exhausting. Masking or performing to fit in may lead to disconnection from true needs. Feeling Regulated and Understood Acceptance as oneself. Tools that work with the nervous system, not against it. Relief from anxiety and freedom to show up without constant self-monitoring Therapy for Neurodivergent Adults When the World Feels Overstimulating or Misaligned Overwhelm, misunderstanding, or emotional drain are common. Anxiety, overthinking, or sensory overload can make everyday life exhausting. Masking or performing to fit in may lead to disconnection from true needs. Feeling Regulated and Understood Acceptance as oneself.
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my counseling practice, I extensively utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize and modify thought patterns influencing their behaviors. Through collaborative identification and reframing of these patterns, clients develop practical skills, fostering greater self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Gender-affirming therapy
In gender-affirming therapy, I prioritize creating a safe space for clients by using their preferred pronouns and promoting acceptance of their authentic gender identity. This approach empowers individuals, fostering a therapeutic environment where self-discovery and acceptance flourish.
Trauma Informed Care
In trauma-informed care, my approach revolves around a deep understanding of the impact of trauma, ensuring a compassionate and supportive environment. By meeting clients where they are at in their healing journey, I aim to cultivate a therapeutic relationship that honors their experiences, promotes trust, and facilitates meaningful progress.
Motivational Interviewing
In my practice of motivational interviewing, I employ a collaborative and empathetic approach, eliciting and reinforcing clients' intrinsic motivation for positive change. By exploring their ambivalence and empowering them to articulate their goals, I aim to inspire lasting transformations.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
In mindfulness-based therapy, the emphasis lies in cultivating present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance. Integrating mindfulness techniques into sessions, my clients develop skills to navigate stressors, enhance self-awareness, and foster a more balanced and centered approach to life.