(she/her)
Life is tough, and starting therapy is a big step- I'm glad you're here! I view therapy as a safe, nonjudgmental space where you learn more about yourself and what you want. As your therapist, I'll help you identify patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be holding you back. We'll work together on a plan that focuses on what matters most to you. My ultimate goal is to give my clients the tools they need to live their best lives and be the best version of themselves possible. It's natural to want to know about a potential therapist, so here's some info about me and my experience that will help you determine if we'd be a good fit: I have 15 years of clinical social work experience, much of it in hospital and crisis settings. I really enjoy learning and staying up to date with the latest advances in clinical practice, and I earned my doctorate in social work in 2023. I work best with those struggling with mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. I enjoy working with people to navigate life's many stressors, including employment and relationship issues. Additionally, I am an LBGTQ+ and neurodiverse-affirming therapist with extensive training and expertise in these areas. My approach is warm, supportive, and collaborative—I aim to create a space where you feel truly heard and supported. I'll check in frequently to make sure you're getting what you need out of therapy. I like sessions to be structured enough that they feel productive, while allowing space to discuss the topics most important to you in the moment.
During the first session, I'll be wanting to get to know you and learning about your goals for treatment. You may not fully know, and that's OK! More often than not, the "reason" you're seeking therapy is complex and multifaceted, like you. I'll be focused on whether we would be a good fit, and I encourage potential clients to do the same during this initial session. Being able to relate to your therapist and finding someone you can trust is the most essential component of any therapy. We'll also want to make sure the issues you're seeking help with align with my experience, approach, and style.
In these modern times of distraction and multi-tasking, I see the opportunity to be fully present with another human as an incredible privilege. During our sessions, the focus is on you. So many of us spend the day performing, holding it together, masking, and being "on." When we're together, you get to show up as who you are.
I work best with individuals who are looking for a more structured, goal-oriented approach. I do enjoy collecting data (through the use of diary cards/habit trackers/anxiety and depression scales) to help determine whether therapy is working or if we need to readjust. I am a behavior-oriented and future-focused therapist. I am a trauma-informed therapist, but not trained specifically in the treatment of trauma, so if this is primarily what you're looking for, we wouldn't be the best fit. Also, some clients enjoy more of a psychodynamic approach (focused on early childhood experiences and unconscious drives/conflicts). Both of these approaches can work really well for some individuals, but I am not trained in these types of therapy interventions .
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is a popular, skill-based treatment modality used to treat a variety of disorders. DBT's core components include Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is an approach to therapy more akin to coaching, and less concerned with advice-giving. We'll explore your motivations by listening, reflecting back, validating, and assessing readiness for change or action.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I will help you set goals and empower you to develop solutions. Together, we'll tap into your strengths and focus on the future, with collaboration and accountability along the way.