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

In our first session together, we’ll begin with brief introductions and take some time to get to know one another. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, so my priority is to create a comfortable, supportive space where you can show up just as you are—no pressure to have everything figured out or to know exactly what to say. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy and explore the specific challenges, concerns, or patterns you’ve been experiencing. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel ready to in this first session. There is no expectation to dive into anything you’re not comfortable discussing yet. My role is to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and help you make sense of what you’re experiencing. We’ll also spend time discussing your goals for therapy—what you hope to gain, change, or better understand. This helps us create a personalized and collaborative plan that can guide our work together in future sessions. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and we will move at a pace that feels right for you. I may ask questions about your background, relationships, stressors, and past experiences with therapy or mental health support, as these can provide helpful context. Throughout the session, you’re encouraged to ask questions, share feedback, and let me know what feels helpful or unhelpful for you. By the end of our first session, my hope is that you leave feeling heard, supported, and with a clearer sense of what our work together might look like moving forward. Above all, the first session is about connection, collaboration, and beginning a therapeutic relationship built on trust and respect.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I work with individuals experiencing depression, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, and challenges related to their relationship with food. My approach is primarily grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and I am also certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), an evidence-based treatment for trauma and PTSD. These approaches allow us to focus on both understanding your experiences and creating meaningful, practical change. CBT helps us explore the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful patterns that may be contributing to distress and work to develop healthier, more supportive ways of thinking and responding. CBT is collaborative and goal-oriented, and it provides tools that you can apply outside of session to support day-to-day functioning. This approach is especially helpful for anxiety, depression, and ADHD, as it offers structure while remaining flexible and individualized. CPT is a trauma-focused form of CBT that helps individuals process and make sense of traumatic experiences. When working with trauma, I prioritize safety, pacing, and empowerment. CPT allows us to gently examine beliefs that may have developed as a result of trauma—such as beliefs about safety, trust, control, self-worth, or responsibility—and work toward perspectives that feel more balanced and freeing. This process is always collaborative, and we move at a pace that feels manageable and supportive. Across all areas of my work, I strive to create a nonjudgmental, compassionate space where curiosity is encouraged and shame is reduced. I do not believe in telling clients what they “should” do or presenting my opinions as facts. Instead, I see therapy as a partnership in which we work together to better understand your experiences, identify goals, and develop tools that align with your values and lived reality. When working with challenges related to food and body image, I use CBT-based strategies to explore thought patterns, emotional triggers, and behaviors, while emphasizing self-compassion and flexibility rather than rigid rules or perfection. What often stands out to clients is the balance between insight and practical support. While self-understanding is important, therapy is also about building skills, increasing confidence, and learning how to navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and self-trust. My goal is to help you feel empowered, supported, and better equipped to move forward in a way that feels authentic to you.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work primarily with adults experiencing depression, trauma, anxiety, stress, and challenges related to eating and their relationship with food. I am especially well-suited to support individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves and are looking for a supportive, collaborative space to better understand their experiences and create meaningful change. Many of the clients I work with may struggle with persistent worry, low mood, emotional numbness, self-doubt, or difficulty managing daily responsibilities. Others may be navigating the impact of past or recent trauma, including experiences that continue to affect their sense of safety, trust, or self-worth. I also support adults who are coping with chronic stress, burnout, or major life transitions and who want practical tools to help them feel more grounded and in control. I am a good fit for clients who are interested in a structured yet flexible approach to therapy. If you appreciate having a clear understanding of how therapy works, setting goals, and learning skills you can apply outside of session, my CBT-based approach may be a strong match. At the same time, I value pacing, collaboration, and compassion—meaning we move forward in a way that feels supportive rather than rushed. I also work with adults who want to improve their relationship with food and body image. This may include individuals dealing with disordered eating patterns, food-related anxiety, or long-standing beliefs about control, guilt, or self-worth tied to eating. My approach is nonjudgmental and focuses on understanding underlying thought patterns and emotional triggers, rather than enforcing rigid rules or expectations. I tend to work best with clients who are open to self-reflection, curious about their inner experiences, and willing to engage in the therapeutic process—even if they’re unsure where to start. You don’t need to have clear goals or the “right” words when beginning therapy. If you’re seeking support, understanding, and tools to help you move toward greater balance and authenticity, we can work together to clarify what you want and how to get there.