LCSW, 8 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Crystal, and I help adults navigate life's challenges with compassion, curiosity, and humor. My goal is to create a safe, judgmental free space where you can explore what's holding you back and discover tools for lasting change. My approach is person centered and flexible. Together we will find strategies that fit your unique needs and values- because therapy should feel like it's made for you. I appreciate the art of storytelling, video game metaphors, and often use pop culture and gaming to make difficult topics more relatable and even fun. I believe healing doesn't always have to be heavy- sometimes a shared laugh can be one of the most powerful forms of connection. In our work together, you'll find a gentle, down to earth atmosphere. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and ready to take on your next chapter- whatever that may look like. If you are ready for that next step in life- I would be honored to walk alongside you.
We will some time to get to know is each and what brings you to therapy. You don't have to have everything figured. I'll guide the conversation with questions to help us understand what is going on and what you would like to gain in working together. It's normal to feel nervous at first- my job is to help create a space that feels comfortable.
My strengths are my ability to listen, connect, and meet you where you are. I'm skilled at blending practical strategies with understanding and helping others to feel supported while making meaningful changes.
I work best with adults who are motivated to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to create meaningful change. My ideal clients may be experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or struggles with substance misuse. They value a collaborative and supportive approach in order to build on strengths, develop healthy skills, and move toward the life they want to live.
Think of CBT as learning to 'debug' your mental software. Sometimes we are stuck with repeats of old scripts-like negative self talk or unhelpful habits- that slow us down. In CBT, we identify those patterns, test them, and reframe our thoughts to a more balanced way of thinking and coping. It's like learning improved strategies to handle difficult boss battles- using awareness, perspective, and practice to level up emotionally.
This treatment method is more about where you want to go than where you've been. We will work together to identify your strengths and focus on your goals. This can be more brief, but sometimes that is all you need to help with not feeling stuck.
Psychoeducation is learning more about what you are experiencing- things like how anxiety works in the body, what happens in your brain during stress, or why certain skills help. If you gain an understanding of what is happening, its easier to feel more in control
I use Motivational Interviewing to help you find your own reasons for wanting change. We explore what you want, what's in the way of getting there, and what might make change more doable. Its about building motivation from the inside out- not through pressure or judgment. You are the one in the drivers seat.
I use mindfulness approaches to help build awareness of your thoughts and emotions in the present moment. It's not about emptying your mind, but noticing what's there with curiosity and compassion. This helps to reduce stress, improve emotion regulation, and create space to make choices instead of reacting out of habit.