New to Grow
I am an African American woman with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field and more than 6 years providing outpatient therapy in the state of Virginia. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University and have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) since 2018. My professional journey has been deeply rooted in serving individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, with a strong commitment to culturally responsive, ethical, and compassionate care. My work centers on supporting individuals who struggle with identity, self-worth, and negative or distorted beliefs about themselves. Many of the clients I serve feel disconnected from who they are, shaped by past trauma, life transitions, systemic barriers, or repeated experiences of disappointment and loss. I help clients explore these experiences, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and develop a healthier, more authentic sense of self. Through a strength-based, client-centered, and evidence-informed approach, I work collaboratively with clients to uncover their inner resilience, increase self-awareness, and build emotional insight. Therapy is a space where clients are encouraged to show up fully—without judgment—while learning practical tools to manage emotions, improve relationships, and make empowered decisions aligned with their values and goals. As a clinician, I believe healing is not only about symptom reduction, but also about reclaiming identity, restoring confidence, and learning how to live with intention and purpose. My goal is to create a safe, affirming environment where clients feel seen, heard, and supported as they move toward growth, clarity, and long-term emotional wellness.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first initial session is primarily an informational and introductory session designed to help us get to know one another and establish a foundation for therapy. During this session, the client will do most of the talking. This time is intentionally set aside for you to share your story, provide insight into who you are, and discuss what has brought you to therapy. You will be invited to talk about your current concerns, life experiences, stressors, and any challenges you may be facing, as well as what you hope to gain from therapy. There is no pressure to share everything at once—this is a paced and supportive conversation meant to help me gain a clearer understanding of your needs, goals, and expectations. I will ask guiding questions to better understand your background, emotional experiences, strengths, and areas where you may feel stuck. This session also allows me to assess how therapy can best support you and to begin identifying potential focus areas for treatment moving forward. Additionally, the first session provides an opportunity for you to ask questions about the therapeutic process, my approach to therapy, confidentiality, and what ongoing sessions may look like. The goal is for you to leave the session feeling informed, heard, and comfortable, knowing that therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, respect, and transparency. By the end of the session, we will begin outlining next steps and discussing how we can work together to support your personal growth, emotional wellness, and overall goals for therapy.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strength as a provider is my ability to engage and authentically connect with clients, creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment grounded in empathy, trust, and mutual respect. I bring both compassion and clinical knowledge into each session, allowing clients to feel heard and understood while also receiving meaningful insight and guidance. This balance helps clients feel comfortable exploring difficult emotions, challenging distorted thought patterns, and working toward personal growth at their own pace.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to work with individuals who are seeking clarity, healing, and personal growth, particularly those who feel disconnected from themselves or struggle with negative or distorted beliefs about their worth, identity, or purpose. Many of the clients I support find themselves feeling stuck—emotionally, mentally, or relationally—and are motivated to better understand themselves and the patterns that may be holding them back. I work well with clients who are navigating life transitions, unresolved trauma, grief or loss, relationship challenges, and chronic stress, as well as those experiencing anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. I am especially aligned with individuals who want a therapeutic space that balances emotional support with practical tools, insight, and accountability. Clients who benefit most from working with me are open to self-reflection and honest conversation, even when the work feels uncomfortable at times. You do not need to have all the answers or a clear direction—only a willingness to explore your experiences, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and commit to your healing journey at your own pace. I am also well suited to support individuals who value a culturally responsive and affirming therapeutic relationship, where lived experiences, identity, and background are acknowledged and respected. My approach is collaborative and strength-based, helping clients recognize their resilience while developing healthier coping skills, improved emotional regulation, and a stronger sense of self. Whether your goal is to gain confidence, improve relationships, process past experiences, or simply feel more grounded and emotionally balanced, I work best with clients who are ready to invest in themselves and view therapy as a meaningful step toward long-term wellness.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve been using CBT in my practice; it has helped dozens of clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life.
Strength-Based
When using Strength-Based with my clients it has held them identify their strengths well recognizing they are important will implementing those distorted thoughts and replacing them with positive, affirming and uplifting thoughts about themselves.
Eclectic
I have been using Eclectic approach in my practice; it has helped multiple clients while allowing me the therapist to draw on other approaches which best meets the clients' needs. Meeting the client were they are.
Gottman method
I utilize the Gottman Method as an evidence-based approach when working with couples who want to strengthen their relationship, improve communication, and rebuild trust. This method is grounded in decades of research on what makes relationships succeed or struggle, and it provides practical, structured tools that couples can apply both inside and outside of therapy. My approach focuses on helping couples gain a deeper understanding of their relational patterns, particularly how they communicate during conflict, express emotional needs, and respond to one another during times of stress. Using the Gottman framework, I support couples in identifying unhelpful interaction cycles—such as criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, or contempt—and replacing them with healthier, more respectful ways of engaging.