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

In our first session together, my main goal is simply to get to know you and help you feel comfortable. This is your time to share what's been on your mind and what brought you here today. I'll start by explaining how our work together will unfold. We'll talk about important things like keeping everything you share private and confidential, making sure you understand how therapy works, and ensuring you feel safe in our sessions. These foundations help create a space where you can open up without worry. Then, we'll dive into your story. I want to hear about what's been challenging for you, what you're hoping will change, and what matters most to you right now. Together, we'll explore the issues you're facing and start thinking about what you'd like to accomplish through our work together. There's no pressure to have everything figured out in this first meeting. Think of it as a conversation where we begin building a partnership. By the end of our session, my hope is that you'll feel heard, understood, and have a clearer sense of how I can support you moving forward. This is the beginning of your journey toward feeling better, and I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strength is really listening—I mean truly hearing you. When we talk, I want to make sure I understand not just your words, but what you're thinking and feeling beneath the surface. I believe that understanding you is the foundation of everything we'll do together. Without that genuine connection and comprehension, we can't build the kind of relationship where real healing and growth happen. That's why I take the time to listen carefully and check in with you to make sure I'm getting it right. You deserve to feel heard and understood, and that's exactly what I'm here to provide.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I've spent my entire career working in schools alongside students and parents, so these are the groups I know best and work with most often. Over the years, I've also gained personal insight into the unique challenges that come with getting older—the changes, difficulties, and adjustments we all face as we age. This experience has prepared me to support a broader range of people at different life stages. One thing I want you to know is that therapy works best when we're both fully committed to the process. Being honest with me—about what you're thinking, how you're feeling, and even any concerns you might have about our sessions or about me—makes all the difference. I genuinely want to help you, and your feedback helps me do that better. It's also important to understand that growth isn't always a straight line. Some weeks you'll feel like you're making great progress, and other times it might feel like you've taken a step backward. That's completely normal. Think of it as taking three steps forward and one step back—the overall direction is still forward. When we talk openly about these ups and downs, it takes away some of the stress and helps you stay encouraged through the process.