Get to know me

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

Starting therapy is a courageous step toward healing, growth, and transformation. If you've scheduled your first appointment with me, I want you to know that you've already taken a powerful step by prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you've been before, it's completely natural to feel uncertain, curious, or even a little anxious about what to expect. Your first session with me will be referred to as an intake session. This appointment is different from regular therapy sessions. Its primary purpose is to gather information about you, your background, your current concerns, and your goals for therapy, so I can better understand how to support you on your journey. It's the foundation we build on to create a customized plan for your care, based on your unique experiences and needs. Let's walk through what this session will look like so you can feel more prepared and at ease. A Safe and Supportive Space From the moment we begin, my top priority is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can speak freely and feel respected, seen, and heard. This session is about you—your story, your pain points, and your hopes for healing. Whether you're walking in with trauma, depression, anxiety, or life transitions weighing you down, I meet you with compassion and a trauma-informed lens. I understand that sharing personal information with someone new can be a vulnerable experience, so I encourage you to proceed at your own pace. You don't have to share everything in the first session. There's no pressure to "get it all out." You are in control of what you disclose and when. Administrative and Consent Process We'll begin by reviewing a few crucial logistics: Consent forms and privacy policy: Before our first session, you'll receive intake paperwork that covers confidentiality, limits of confidentiality (such as safety concerns), and your rights as a client. I'll walk you through these documents and answer any questions you have. Practice policies: We'll review session length, scheduling, cancellations, fees, and the process for contacting me between sessions if needed. Confidentiality and trust: I'll emphasize how confidentiality works in our therapeutic relationship. Knowing your information is protected is essential for building trust. Once that's covered, we move into the heart of the session: understanding your story. Gathering Background Information During the intake, I'll ask questions about v

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My Therapeutic Approach and What Makes It Unique As a licensed professional counselor in mental health with a Doctorate in Prevention Science, my therapeutic approach is grounded in both clinical expertise and compassionate care. I believe that healing happens when science meets humanity—when people are seen not just as clients, but as whole individuals with complex stories, emotions, and untapped strength. I specialize in helping people navigate trauma, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. My work is guided by a trauma-informed, client-centered framework, which prioritizes safety, trust, and collaboration. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all method. Instead, I tailor each session to meet you where you are emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Evidence-Based, Compassion-Driven Care I draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and psychoeducation to help clients understand their thoughts, process their pain, and develop practical strategies for change. These tools enable us to examine how past experiences influence current patterns—and, more importantly, how to break those patterns and establish healthier ones. My background in Prevention Science makes my work especially unique. This advanced training equips me to not only address existing challenges but also to help prevent further emotional harm by strengthening your resilience and mental health from the inside out. What Sets Me Apart 1. Science with Soul Many therapists are trained in evidence-based practices, but my doctorate allows me to dive deeper into the “why” behind behavior and emotion. I combine this scientific knowledge with deep empathy and cultural sensitivity, offering you care that’s both grounded and relatable. 2. Lived Experience I bring not just professional training, but also lived Experience. As someone who has walked through trauma, single motherhood, and significant life transitions, I understand what it means to feel overwhelmed while trying to keep going. My journey allows me to sit with yours, without judgment, with genuine care. 3. The RISE Method A cornerstone of my work is the **RISE Method**—Recognize, Identify, Strategize, and Elevate. This approach helps clients: Recognize what’s happening internally and externally, Identify the root of distress and patterns that no longer serve them, Strategize practical, personalized coping tools, and Elevate to a place of emotional clarity and renewed purpose. It’s a step-by-step

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am best positioned to serve individuals who are ready to break free from the weight of trauma, navigate depression, and manage the emotional impact of significant life transitions. My ideal clients are often high-functioning yet overwhelmed, silently carrying emotional burdens that have begun to affect their relationships, self-worth, and overall sense of peace. Many have spent years “pushing through” or being the strong one for everyone else, but are now recognizing the toll this has taken on their mental health. I work best with adults who are open to self-reflection, willing to engage in the healing process, and ready to reclaim control over their lives. Whether they are dealing with unresolved childhood trauma, the grief of a significant loss, the burnout of caregiving, or the disorientation that comes with divorce, career change, or identity shifts, these individuals are not broken—they are burdened. And they’re ready for a safe, supportive space to process and release what they’ve been holding inside. Many of the clients I serve come into therapy feeling stuck in cycles of negative thinking, emotional numbness, or constant anxiety. They may be wrestling with feelings of guilt, shame, or self-doubt, unsure of how to move forward but aware that something needs to change. My work is grounded in helping them recognize harmful patterns, make sense of their experiences, and build new narratives rooted in truth, self-compassion, and resilience. I also support individuals who are goal-oriented and value structure in the therapeutic process. These clients benefit from the practical tools and strategies I offer through evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and psychoeducation. They are often drawn to my style because it combines clinical expertise with empathy, clear guidance, and a nonjudgmental, affirming presence. If your goals include gaining insight into your emotional responses, building healthy coping mechanisms, setting boundaries, or rediscovering your sense of purpose after adversity, you are in the right place. I honor the courage it takes to begin therapy and believe that healing is not only possible but within reach. Together, we can work to help you rise from what’s been holding you back, rediscover your voice, and create lasting change.

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