Get to know me

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

The first session is a gentle starting point—an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin building a therapeutic relationship rooted in safety, trust, and collaboration. My priority is creating a space where you feel welcomed, respected, and in control of your own healing process. Whether you’re arriving with a clear goal or just a sense that something needs to shift, we move at your pace. We’ll start by exploring what brings you to therapy, what you’re hoping to gain, and what’s felt difficult lately. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable; there is no pressure to tell your full story right away. I’ll also ask some foundational questions to better understand your background—emotionally, culturally, and socially—so I can support you in a way that honors your values, experiences, and identity. As someone who integrates both talk therapy and somatic approaches, I may gently introduce practices to help you stay grounded during the session if distress comes up. We’ll also discuss how you tend to cope and what helps you feel safe—because therapy works best when we co-create a space where you feel emotionally secure. By the end of our first conversation, my goal is that you leave with a clearer sense of what therapy with me feels like, what we might focus on together, and how we’ll tailor the process to fit your needs. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Your courage in showing up is more than enough—and we’ll move forward together from there.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What sets my practice apart is the deep integration of clinical skill, cultural humility, and global research insight—rooted in over two decades of experience supporting individuals navigating trauma, stress, and identity-related challenges. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I partner with clients to create personalized, relational, and culturally responsive therapy experiences that honor the full complexity of who they are. At the heart of my work is a belief in people’s capacity to heal—especially when they’re met with safety, respect, and genuine connection. My approach is trauma-informed and identity-affirming, shaped by years of working with individuals who have experienced interpersonal violence, racial stress, and systemic adversity. Many of the clients I support are seeking more than symptom relief; they’re looking to understand their experiences in a deeper way, reconnect with their resilience, and reclaim a sense of wholeness. I draw from an integrative toolkit that includes evidence-based modalities like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and somatic approaches. This blend allows me to meet clients where they are—whether they need practical coping skills, emotional processing, or body-based tools to feel grounded. In session, I might support a client in learning to regulate overwhelming emotions, explore core beliefs, or reconnect with parts of themselves that have been silenced by trauma. What makes my work especially unique is the bridge I build between practice and research. As an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and Director of Global Initiatives, I bring a global lens to trauma and healing. My research examines how post-traumatic stress manifests across cultures and how mental health interventions can be adapted to meet the needs of labor migrants and historically marginalized populations, particularly in southern Africa. I apply these insights directly to my therapy work, ensuring that my methods are not only clinically sound but also culturally attuned. This dual identity—clinician and researcher—allows me to continuously refine my approach based on emerging evidence, while staying deeply attuned to the lived experiences of the individuals I serve. I understand trauma not just as a psychological event, but as something embedded in bodies, histories, and social contexts—and my work reflects that layered understanding. Clien

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work best with individuals who are ready to explore their experiences with openness and curiosity—even if they feel uncertain or overwhelmed at the start. Many of my clients are navigating the complex aftermath of trauma, including childhood abuse, sexual violence, and other interpersonal harms, and are seeking a therapeutic space that is grounded in safety, trust, and cultural awareness. I also support people working through anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, racial identity stressors, and major life transitions. If you’re someone who wants more than just symptom relief—if you’re looking to feel more connected to yourself, your body, and your purpose—we may be a good fit. My approach is especially helpful for those who value therapy that integrates mind and body, respects cultural identity, and builds emotional resilience through both insight and practice.