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

Starting therapy can bring up a mix of emotions—nervousness, hope, uncertainty, or even relief. That’s completely normal. My goal in your first session is to help you feel comfortable, supported, and heard while we begin getting to know each other. The first session is a time for us to talk about what brought you to therapy and what feels most important to you right now. You don’t need to have the “right words,” a clear plan, or a full story prepared. We’ll move at a pace that feels manageable for you, and you are always in control of what you choose to share. We’ll spend time discussing the challenges you’re currently facing and how they may be affecting your day-to-day life—emotionally, mentally, physically, or in your relationships. This might include stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use concerns, life transitions, or feeling overwhelmed or stuck. There is no expectation to cover everything in one session; this is simply a starting point. I may ask questions about your personal background, past experiences with counseling, family or relationship dynamics, and any mental or physical health concerns that feel relevant. These questions help me understand your experiences more fully so therapy can be tailored to your unique needs. You’re always welcome to pause, ask questions, or let me know if something feels uncomfortable. If you’re experiencing distressing thoughts, emotional pain, or safety concerns, we will talk about those with care and compassion. The focus is on helping you feel supported and finding ways to reduce distress and increase stability. You will never be judged for what you share. We’ll also begin talking about what you hope therapy might help you with. Some people come in with clear goals, while others just know they want things to feel different. Both are okay. Goals can change over time, and we’ll work together to shape them in a way that feels meaningful and realistic for you. You can expect the session to be calm, respectful, and collaborative. There is no pressure to dive into painful memories or “fix” anything right away. Therapy is a process, and the first session is about building a foundation of trust and understanding. Before we end, we’ll talk briefly about next steps, including what ongoing sessions might look like and whether there are any initial tools, reflections, or supports that could be helpful between appointments. You’ll also have space to share how the session felt and ask any questions you may have. Many people leave the first session feeling a mix of emotions—lighter, tired, hopeful, or unsure. All of those reactions are normal. Taking this step is meaningful, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Therapy is a space created for you, your healing, and your growth.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I believe one of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to truly connect with people in a genuine, grounded, and compassionate way. Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, guarded, or unsure if counseling will actually help—especially if they’ve tried therapy before and felt misunderstood or rushed. From the very beginning, my focus is on creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and accepted exactly as you are. With over 17 years of experience in mental health care, I’ve worked with people from all walks of life—children, teens, adults, families, and individuals facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I’ve supported clients through anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, relationship challenges, life transitions, and crises that felt impossible to manage alone. This experience allows me to meet you where you are, whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for something to change. My approach to therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I take time to understand your story, your strengths, and what matters most to you. Therapy with me is collaborative and personalized. We work together to identify goals that feel realistic and meaningful, and we move at a pace that feels safe for you. You will never be pressured to share more than you’re ready for. I am especially skilled in helping clients who feel emotionally overwhelmed, reactive, or disconnected from themselves or others. Many people I work with struggle with intense emotions, past trauma, or long-standing patterns that no longer serve them. I focus on helping you build practical tools to regulate emotions, improve coping, set healthy boundaries, and feel more confident in your daily life. I also bring a calm, steady presence to difficult conversations and moments of crisis. If you’re dealing with high stress, fear, or emotional pain, you don’t have to manage that alone. Clients often tell me they feel grounded and supported in sessions, even when discussing painful or complex topics. My goal is to help you feel more in control, not overwhelmed by the process. What often stands out to clients is that therapy feels both supportive and practical. We don’t just talk about what’s wrong—we work on what helps. Sessions focus on real-life strategies you can use outside the therapy room, whether that’s managing anxiety, navigating relationships, coping with trauma triggers, or making difficult decisions. I am deeply trauma-informed, which means I understand how past experiences can shape emotions, behaviors, and relationships in the present. Therapy is always guided by respect, choice, and empowerment. Healing doesn’t happen by being pushed—it happens when you feel safe enough to grow. As the owner and lead therapist at Dotson Therapy & Associates, I value integrity, professionalism, and care that is thoughtful and ethical. I am committed to providing high-quality therapy that honors your time, your trust, and your goals. Above all, I believe in your capacity for growth and healing—even if you’re not sure yet. Therapy is not about being “fixed.” It’s about understanding yourself more deeply, learning new ways to cope, and building a life that feels more balanced, meaningful, and manageable. If you’re looking for a therapist who is experienced, compassionate, and genuinely invested in your well-being, I would be honored to work with you.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal clients are individuals ages 16 and older who are looking for thoughtful, compassionate, and experienced mental health support. Many people who come to work with me feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or frustrated by symptoms or patterns that have been part of their lives for a long time. You may not be in crisis—but you know something isn’t working, and you’re ready for support that goes beyond surface-level conversations. I am especially well-suited to work with clients who experience intense or complex emotions. This includes individuals living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders, and other mood-related conditions. Many of my clients struggle with emotional reactivity, mood swings, impulsivity, relationship instability, or feeling out of control at times. I bring a calm, steady, and nonjudgmental approach to this work, helping clients better understand their emotions, build regulation skills, and create more stability in their lives. I also have extensive experience working with individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). This includes clients who may have had multiple hospitalizations, long treatment histories, or difficulty finding providers who truly understand the complexity of their needs. I am comfortable working with higher-acuity symptoms and supporting clients who need structure, consistency, and realistic goal-setting to make progress over time. Substance use and unhealthy coping patterns are another area where I am particularly well-positioned to help. I work with individuals who are actively in recovery, questioning their relationship with substances, or navigating relapse with shame or discouragement. Therapy with me is supportive and honest—focused on understanding what substances have been doing for you, identifying triggers, strengthening coping skills, and building a life that feels worth protecting. Many of my ideal clients are women navigating challenges related to identity, relationships, health, and life transitions. I have experience supporting women through perinatal, postpartum, and postnatal mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, identity shifts, and emotional overwhelm. I also work with women facing fertility struggles, pregnancy-related mood changes, and the emotional impact of caregiving and role overload. I also work with individuals who are struggling with body image, obesity, emotional eating, and weight-related concerns. These challenges are often deeply connected to trauma, mood regulation, self-worth, and coping—not just willpower. I approach this work with sensitivity and respect, helping clients address the emotional and psychological factors that influence their relationship with food, movement, and their bodies. Trauma-informed care is a foundation of my work. Many of my clients have experienced childhood trauma, abusive relationships, medical trauma, or other significant life events that continue to affect their emotional well-being. Trauma can show up in many ways—hypervigilance, emotional numbness, shame, difficulty trusting others, or feeling disconnected from yourself. Therapy is always paced to your comfort level, and you are never pressured to revisit experiences before you are ready. My ideal clients are open—at their own pace—to reflection, learning, and growth. You do not need to have clear goals when you start. Many people simply know they want to feel better, calmer, more stable, or more like themselves again. Therapy works best when clients are willing to be honest, curious, and engaged in the process, even when change feels challenging. Clients who tend to do well with me appreciate a therapist who is warm, grounded, and direct. I balance empathy with practical guidance and real-life tools. Sessions are supportive but also purposeful, helping you build skills you can actually use outside the therapy room—whether that’s managing mood swings, navigating relationships, supporting recovery, or coping with stress more effectively. I may not be the best fit for someone looking for a quick fix or a purely passive experience. My ideal clients want therapy that is meaningful and are willing to show up consistently, even when progress feels slow. I believe lasting change happens through patience, insight, skill-building, and a strong therapeutic relationship. Ultimately, my ideal clients are individuals who want to feel more stable, empowered, and connected—to themselves and their lives. Whether you are managing a long-standing mental health diagnosis, healing from trauma, navigating womanhood or motherhood, working toward recovery, or trying to make sense of overwhelming emotions, therapy can be a powerful and supportive step forward. If you’re looking for a therapist who understands complexity, respects your pace, and brings both experience and compassion to the work, you may be a strong fit for my practice.