New to Grow
I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), and like many adults I work with, my life and career have not followed a traditional path. I earned my undergraduate degree from Princeton University and my law degree from the College of William & Mary, and spent 15 years practicing law before transitioning into mental health work because I wanted to help people in a more direct, human way. After spending time at home with my family and having close family members involved in the mental health system, I saw firsthand how meaningful and effective therapy can be. This experience led me back to school, where I earned my MSW from Simmons University. I have two years of clinical experience working at a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), where I supported adolescents and families during periods of significant emotional stress. Today, I work primarily with adults and young adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, caregiving and parenting stress, relationship challenges, and feelings of overwhelm or being stuck. I also see some adolescents. I approach therapy as a collaborative, supportive process and strive to create a nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, my focus is on getting to know you—what brought you to therapy, what you hope to work on, and any past experiences you’ve had with counseling. We’ll explore your strengths, challenges, and what you’d like to change or improve, and see together how I can best support you. We may do some brief assessments and start thinking about steps forward, but everything will move at your pace. My aim is to create a supportive, collaborative space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to take meaningful steps toward the life you want.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy—each person is unique, and I tailor my methods to fit you. I take a “toolbox” approach, offering a range of strategies while moving at a pace that feels safe and comfortable. Therapy can feel scary or intimidating, so I work to create a space where you feel at ease, understood, and supported. I bring both professional training and life experience to the work, and I like to incorporate humor and warmth to help people feel comfortable. My approach is strengths-based and collaborative, meeting clients where they are and helping them build practical tools to navigate challenges and make meaningful changes in their lives.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I’m most helpful for clients who are motivated to reflect on their lives and are looking to make meaningful changes, even if it feels a little scary or uncertain at times. You may be juggling multiple responsibilities, feeling stuck, or navigating transitions, and you want a space where you can slow down, make sense of things, and move forward with confidence.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients notice and understand patterns between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking habits, explore where they come from, and practice more balanced, realistic alternatives. I regularly use tools such as thought records, behavioral activation, and in‑session coaching so clients can apply CBT skills to real‑life situations and build practical, day‑to‑day coping strategies.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills with clients who feel things very intensely, struggle with anxiety, or find relationships especially stressful. In our work, we focus on concrete tools in mindfulness, getting through crises, understanding and managing big emotions, and communicating more effectively. We often practice these skills using real situations from your life, so you can feel more confident handling conflict, setting boundaries, and getting through emotional storms without feeling overwhelmed by them.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Using Acceptance and commitment therapy, I work with clients to increase psychological flexibility by noticing and making room for difficult thoughts and feelings, rather than getting stuck in struggle with them. Together, we clarify their core values and translate those values into specific, realistic actions so they can move toward lives that feel more grounded, meaningful, and aligned with what matters most to them.