LMFT, 18 years of experience
New to Grow
Here’s a concise, client-friendly version that fits perfectly in Grow Therapy’s “What to Expect” section (under 120 words): --- What to Expect in Our First Session Our first session is a relaxed, conversational time for us to get to know each other and discuss what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask about what’s been going on, what you’d like to change, and what’s most important to you right now. You can expect a supportive space where you can share at your own pace—no pressure or judgment. By the end, we’ll begin to outline goals and next steps so you leave with a clearer sense of direction and how we can work together to help you heal, grow, and move forward. --- Would you like me to make a matching “Therapy Approach” section next, so your profile feels consistent and cohesive? I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 18 years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to meet each person where they are. I believe therapy is a partnership—one that helps people find healing, clarity, and direction when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. I’ve had the privilege of helping clients navigate major life transitions, relationship challenges, grief and loss, trauma, depression, and anxiety. My work is grounded in respect for each person’s faith, values, and life philosophy, integrating these perspectives to build a meaningful pathway forward. Clients often describe me as approachable, genuine, and steady—someone who helps them feel understood while encouraging growth and accountability. Whether you’re beginning therapy for the first time or returning to it with new goals, I’m here to help you heal, gain insight, and create lasting positive change in your life and relationships.
Our first session is a relaxed, conversational time for us to get to know each other and discuss what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask about what’s been going on, what you’d like to change, and what’s most important to you right now. You can expect a supportive space where you can share at your own pace—no pressure or judgment. By the end, we’ll begin to outline goals and next steps so you leave with a clearer sense of direction and how we can work together to help you heal, grow, and move forward.
Clients often describe me as genuine, steady, and easy to talk to. I bring over 18 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families work through trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, grief, anxiety, and depression. My greatest strength lies in meeting clients exactly where they are—offering both empathy and direction to help them move forward at a pace that feels right. I draw from multiple therapeutic approaches, blending insight-oriented, CBT, REBT, EMDR, client-centered, existential, structural, and motivational interviewing techniques to tailor the process to each person’s unique needs. I also integrate faith and personal philosophy when desired, helping clients align growth with their values. Above all, I strive to create a safe, collaborative space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to make meaningful, lasting change in their lives and relationships.
I find deep meaning in working with young adults navigating the challenges of college and graduate school, as well as individuals at turning points in life—those making significant transitions in career, relationships, identity, or purpose. Many of my clients come to therapy seeking a greater sense of direction, peace, and confidence as they move through seasons of uncertainty or change. I also work with those experiencing grief and loss, helping them honor what has been lost while rediscovering strength and hope for what lies ahead. For individuals healing from traumatic experiences, I provide a compassionate, trauma-informed space to process the past and reclaim a sense of safety and self. Clients often come to therapy with symptoms of depression or anxiety, and together we focus on understanding the roots of these experiences, building coping skills, and restoring balance and joy in daily life. My approach is grounded in respect for each person’s faith, values, and life philosophy. Whether spirituality is central to your worldview or simply one part of it, I aim to meet you where you are—integrating meaning, belief, and personal wisdom into the healing process. Through collaboration, curiosity, and care, I work alongside my clients to build a pathway forward that reflects who they are and who they hope to become.
My therapeutic work is grounded in an integrative model that draws from multiple evidence-based and humanistic traditions to meet clients where they are and help them move toward healing, growth, and meaningful change. I believe that no single approach fits every person or every stage of healing, so I adapt my methods to align with each client’s needs, strengths, and goals. At the heart of my work is a client-centered and insight-oriented foundation, emphasizing empathy, authenticity, and collaboration. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, emotions, and relationships with curiosity and compassion. Through insight-oriented and existential exploration, clients gain a deeper understanding of their identity, values, and life purpose while addressing barriers that prevent fulfillment and connection. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to help clients recognize and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, replacing them with healthier beliefs and behaviors. These methods provide structure and practical tools to reduce distress and promote self-efficacy. When trauma or emotional dysregulation are central concerns, I incorporate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to support the reprocessing of distressing memories, decrease physiological reactivity, and foster adaptive emotional integration. Drawing from Motivational Interviewing, I support clients in clarifying their readiness for change and strengthening their intrinsic motivation to take steps toward healthier, values-driven living. When working with couples and families, I utilize Strategic and Structural Family Systems approaches to identify and realign interactional patterns, improve communication, and restore balance and connection within the family system. Together, these modalities allow me to tailor therapy to each client’s unique situation—helping them heal from trauma, break free from stuck points, and develop insight that leads to healthier choices and a higher quality of life. My goal is to empower individuals and families to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and move forward with clarity, confidence, and compassion.