New to Grow
My path to becoming a therapist stems from my own mental health journey and a desire to work in a helping profession. Recognizing that many providers may not share my background, I’ve developed an intellectual curiosity about the intersections of identity and access to care. Representation matters, and I strive to make mental health care more inclusive, especially for those marginalized by socio-economic factors. I'm passionate about helping those often ignored or underserved, knowing my skills can turn breakdowns into breakthroughs. I also give back to my community, notably through volunteering with W.O.K.E. (Women of Kolour Empowered).
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session together, I want you to feel welcomed and understood. We’ll begin by discussing what brought you to therapy, your goals, and any concerns you might have. I’ll take some time to learn about your background, experiences, and what’s been challenging for you. You can expect a safe, compassionate space where I will listen without judgment and validate your experiences. I may ask questions to understand your needs better and to help us identify areas to focus on. I believe that establishing trust and rapport is essential, so I’ll be transparent about my approach and how we can work together to achieve your goals. Sometimes, I might gently challenge you or encourage reflection—this is part of the growth process. I may also suggest some homework or reflection exercises to help you continue your progress outside of our sessions. Overall, my goal is to create a supportive environment where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to begin your healing journey. Remember, the first session is just the beginning, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths is my genuine authenticity and compassion, which create a safe and trusting space for clients to explore their challenges. I am deeply committed to cultural humility and inclusivity, understanding how identity and socio-economic factors influence mental health. This allows me to tailor my approach to meet each client’s unique needs, especially those from underserved or marginalized communities. I also have a strong belief in the importance of expanding emotional awareness through techniques like EFT, helping clients deepen their understanding of their feelings beyond surface-level labels. My attachment-based approach helps clients understand how their early relationships impact their current ones, fostering healing and stronger connections. Additionally, I am dedicated to continuous learning—staying updated through workshops, certifications, and peer consultation—so I can provide the most effective, evidence-based care. I’m not afraid to challenge clients when necessary because I believe growth often happens outside of comfort zones, always with support and empathy. Overall, my combination of cultural sensitivity, emotional depth, and ongoing professional development allows me to deliver meaningful results and support clients in turning difficulties into breakthroughs.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Although our experiences may feel unique to us, so many people have had the same challenges and have been able to discuss them and move forward with understanding and acceptance. Working with me, there will be moments where I will challenge you, and you may dislike me for that moment, but I want you to understand that I will support you through the discomfort. All I ask for is effort - just try; it makes a big difference, and you will be better for it. I also give homework because of my motto: “The real work begins when you end a session.”
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
My treatment method is culturally sensitive therapy because I recognize and incorporate the cultural backgrounds, values, beliefs, and experiences of my clients, especially those from diverse or non-Western communities. As a child of immigrants, I understand firsthand how important culture is in shaping identity and experiences. I believe that many mainstream modalities are Western-centered and often overlook or undervalue the cultural context that influences a person's mental health and well-being. My approach seeks to bridge this gap by respecting and integrating cultural traditions, language, and worldviews into the therapeutic process. This helps my clients feel more understood, respected, and empowered, fostering a stronger connection between therapy and their personal identity. By emphasizing culture as a vital part of treatment, I aim to ensure that therapy is relevant, respectful, and effective for individuals from diverse backgrounds, acknowledging that culture plays a significant role in how people experience and cope with life's challenges.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) because I believe that our understanding of emotions is often limited. Many people tend to identify only the basic emotions—like angry, sad, happy, or scared—similar to having a Crayola box with only eight colors. When we have more resources or experience, we might upgrade to a box with 64 colors and a sharper crayon, allowing us to see and express more nuanced shades. With EFT, I work with clients to expand and deepen their emotional awareness. Instead of quickly labeling an emotion as "angry," we explore whether it might actually be disappointment, frustration, or sadness underneath. This process helps us go beyond surface-level feelings and identify the more complex, subtle emotions that truly reflect our internal experiences. By doing this, clients learn to recognize a broader range of emotions, which brings more depth to their understanding of themselves and their relationships. It allows for greater emotional clarity, healing, and connection.
Attachment-based
I use attachment-based theory because I believe that our early relationships with caregivers have a profound impact on how we connect with others throughout our lives. This theory helps me understand how patterns of attachment—whether secure or insecure—shape our emotional responses, behaviors, and expectations in relationships. By focusing on attachment, I can help clients explore how their past experiences influence their current relationships, trust, and ability to feel safe and valued with others. I see attachment as the foundation for emotional security, intimacy, and resilience. Using this approach, I work to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can develop healthier attachment patterns, build trust, and foster stronger, more secure connections with others. This understanding can lead to greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and improved relationships overall.