New to Grow
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, working in various setting including hospitals, primary care offices, group therapy settings, and individual therapy. I received my BS in Art Therapy from Lesley University in 2012, and later went on to receive my Master of Social Work at Westfield State University in 2018. During my time at Westfield State University, I was selected and participated in the Interdisciplinary Behavioral Health Fellowship where I received additional focused training on the intersection between mental and physical health on individual wellbeing. I have a passion in working with individuals who are seeking to achieve wellness in all aspects of life, and focus my practice on viewing the individual from a holistic lens that prioritizes both mental and physical health.
In our first session together, the main focus is getting to know you and beginning to build a space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and experiences. I'll ask you questions about your background, including your personal history, important relationships, and any significant life evets that have shaped who you are today. There is no pressure to share everything at once, and we will move at a pace that feels right for you. We will also spend some time talking about your mental health history, like any past experiences with anxiety, depression, or other concerns, including whether you've been in therapy before and what that was like for you. We will explore your medical history, including any current or past health conditions since these can often impact how you are feelings emotionally and physically. Understanding what is currently going on in your life will help us begin to set treatment goals as we proceed in sessions. We'll explore any stressors or challenges you are facing, whether they're related to work, relationships, or other areas of life. This will lead us into identifying goals for your therapy, like managing anxiety, improving your mood, building coping skills, or feeling more balanced overall. These goals are are starting point, and can evolve over time. My goal is to support you in a way that feels collaborative, respectful, and tailored to your needs!
Therapy is all about connection, and I strive to create a comfortable, personal experience for each client. My approach allows clients to feel as if they're talking with a close friend, who also happens to be a therapist! I feel as if my relatability and empathy are my greatest strengths when working with clients.
I specialize in working with young adults transitioning into college and the career world, adults wanting to learn strategies to manage ADHD/anxiety/depression, and older adults in life transitions. Additionally, I work with clients who have experienced loss and are seeking to work through managing their grief. Clients in my practice will work collaboratively in session to develop strategies to effectively work through problems and barriers to achieve healthy goals.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a structured, evidence-based approach to support clients in managing anxiety, depression, and related concerns. My work focuses on helping clients identify maladaptive thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and unhelpful behaviors. Together, we examine the evidence for and against these thoughts, increasing awareness of cognitive distortions and developing more balanced, realistic perspectives. I guide clients in shifting toward adaptive, helpful thinking patterns, while also incorporating practical strategies to reinforce these changes in daily life. This process empowers clients to reduce symptoms, build resilience, and develop more effective coping skills.