Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session Starting therapy can feel like a big step—especially if it’s your first time, or if past experiences left you unsure. You might wonder: What do I even say? Will I have to talk about everything right away? What if I cry? Let me reassure you: your first session with me is not about diving into the deep end. It’s about building comfort, safety, and connection. There’s no script you need to follow—just show up as you are. I’ll meet you there. Creating a Foundation of Safety From the moment we begin, my focus is on creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and supported. If you’re feeling nervous, that’s completely normal. I’ll guide the conversation gently, so you don’t feel like you have to lead or perform. This first session is about getting to know each other. You’re not committing to long-term therapy by meeting with me—you’re exploring whether I feel like the right fit for your needs, and I’m doing the same. Good therapy starts with a strong connection, so I encourage you to notice how it feels to share space with me. What We’ll Talk About We’ll begin with introductions, then I’ll invite you to share what brings you to therapy now. Some clients come in with a clear issue, like anxiety or burnout. Others aren’t sure—they just know something feels “off.” Both are completely valid starting points. We might talk about: What’s been bothering you or weighing on you How your emotional state affects daily life Key relationships or support systems Past experiences with therapy What you hope will be different as a result of therapy You don’t have to share everything. If you’ve experienced trauma or difficult events, we can acknowledge that without going into details. My job isn’t to make you relive pain—it’s to help you move through it when you’re ready. A Collaborative Process My approach is collaborative and grounded in respect. I’m not here to fix you or diagnose your life. Instead, we’ll explore what’s working, what isn’t, and what you want to shift. In this session, I’ll also explain how I work. My practice is trauma-informed, meaning I’ll always check in with you about comfort, pacing, and choice. I won’t push you faster than you want to go. I draw from different modalities—like CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy—but none of that will overwhelm our first conversation. It’s more important that you feel seen, heard, and safe. If you’re someone who likes structure, I can help outline

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What Sets My Therapeutic Approach Apart If you’re considering therapy, you might be wondering what makes one therapist different from another. Most of us say we offer a “safe space,” that we’ll “meet you where you are,” or “help you heal.” All of that matters—but there’s more to it. If you’re looking for a therapist who brings deeper engagement, real partnership, and an approach tailored to your needs, let me tell you what makes my work stand out. I Treat the Whole of You—Not Just the Symptoms Yes, we can address anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, or relationship issues. But I don’t believe therapy should stop at symptom management. I work to understand how your emotions, thoughts, identity, relationships, and environment all connect. We’ll go beyond surface coping and explore the roots of what you’re feeling—so the changes we make aren’t just temporary, but lasting. You are not a diagnosis. You are a full, complex human being, and I will hold space for all of you. Trauma-Informed—but Not Trauma-Driven Many clients come to therapy with a history of trauma—sometimes obvious, sometimes subtle. Trauma-informed therapy means I understand how those experiences affect your nervous system, self-worth, and relationships. But I won’t reduce you to your trauma. You’ll never be pushed to share more than you’re ready for. I work from a place of consent, collaboration, and care. You decide the pace. Your story unfolds only as you feel safe. Structure and Flexibility Some therapists only “hold space.” Others try to fix. I guide. With me, you’ll get a steady presence and a flexible, responsive approach. Some weeks we might work on practical tools. Other times, we may explore deeper patterns or sit with complex emotions. I draw from multiple approaches—CBT, mindfulness, solution-focused, insight-oriented work—and apply what fits you. We’ll co-create your therapy journey based on what’s most helpful, not what’s most conventional. I Show Up as a Real Person I’m not a blank slate or a distant observer. I show up with warmth, clarity, and respect. Clients often tell me they appreciate how grounded, honest, and emotionally present I am in session. You can expect me to listen closely, reflect thoughtfully, and challenge you—gently—when something needs to shift. I’ll support you in holding space for pain and in recognizing your growth and progress, even when you can’t yet see it. There’s room for laughter, silence, realness, and hope here. I’m Especially Effecti

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Who I Work Best With – And Why That Matters If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that something in your life isn’t working the way you want it to. Maybe you’re feeling anxious more often than not, or struggling to get out of bed in the morning. Maybe you’re managing everything “just fine” on the outside but secretly feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or exhausted inside. You might not even know exactly what you need—just that you’re ready for something to change. I want you to know you’re not alone in feeling this way. And if you’ve landed here, you may be exactly the kind of client I’m best suited to help. I work especially well with people who carry a lot—emotionally, mentally, or even in their careers and relationships. You may be someone others rely on. You may have always been the responsible one, the fixer, the helper, or the high achiever. People may think you’ve got it all together, but you know how heavy things really feel. And maybe you’re tired of carrying it alone. You may be wrestling with questions like: Why do I keep putting others’ needs before my own—and feel guilty when I don’t? How can I manage my anxiety when it feels like my brain won’t slow down? Why do I shut down when emotions get too big—or feel too numb to care? How do I heal from things that happened years ago but still affect me today? Is it possible to feel more connected to myself, my relationships, and my purpose? If any of those sound familiar, I want you to know: you don’t need to have all the answers before starting therapy. That’s what I’m here for. Together, we’ll create a space where you can unpack the emotional load you’ve been carrying, explore what’s underneath it, and begin to build a version of life that actually works for you—not just the one you’ve been surviving in. I Work Best With... Adults in life transition. Whether it’s a career change, a breakup, a loss, a move, or a new chapter that doesn’t feel quite how you thought it would, life transitions have a way of stirring up old patterns and new questions. I can help you make sense of what’s surfacing and decide what you want to carry forward. LGBTQ+ adults and emerging adults. Identity exploration, family dynamics, coming out, navigating relationships, or healing from past harm—if you’re queer, trans, or anywhere in between, I provide an affirming space that respects your complexity and celebrates your truth. Helpers, healers, and professionals. Therapists, healthcare workers, nonprofit lead