New to Grow
I use CBT, positive psychology, and a person-centered approach to help people understand their thoughts, regulate emotions, and respond more calmly to stress. Sessions focus on building trust, strengthening emotional awareness, and supporting individuals in finding their own voice while feeling respected, heard, and guided – not corrected or pushed. Over time, you’ll notice you become steadier, more confident, and clearer about what you want and need. Reactions soften, communication improves, and people feel better about their decisions. When you feel on top of things, you have space to grow and find your voice. There really is a better path.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first session is sometimes around what brings the client to counseling now, and the first session is simply listening and gathering information. Typically when clients don’t know where to start, I ask about what brings you to counseling now, and what your overall goal is. I ask questions about where your life is now, where you come from, and where you want to go in the future, in terms of hopes and dreams. I try to get a big picture of your life, including music taste, pets, and school or
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I have 20 years of experience, and was a high school teacher and later worked in a teen focused medical clinic prior to becoming a counselor. In my experiences, I have specialized in addiction/alcoholism and personality disorders like narcissism and borderline personality disorder, which has helped me help teens deal with family members and these issues. I also am experienced with anxiety, and know practical suggestions to help during moments of anxiety and panic attacks.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
You can see that something is off with your teen, even if they can’t fully explain it themselves. The mood swings, the stress, the everyday challenges… you can tell they’re overwhelmed. Changes in friendships, family dynamics, academic pressure, and uncertainty about the future leave them unsteady and worn down. They want independence, yet they still need reassurance and guidance – and that tension makes them shut down and shut you out. You know they’re carrying more than they can handle, but it’s a struggle to find support they’ll actually trust, engage with, and feel safe opening up to without fear of judgment.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I encourage small changes between sessions toward their main goal. Typically the changes are in behavior. Occasionally they’re about healthier thought patterns.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
This is encouraging people to be their healthiest self, and make decisions about their life path, and where they want to head in life.
Couples Counseling
I help couples make small changes between sessions toward improving their relationship. Both partners must be willing to make changes and sincerely listen to one another’s perspectives.
Positive Psychology
I encourage a positive outlook, as optimists live longer, happier lives. It’s not about being ‘right’, it’s about being happy.