Get to know me

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

Clients often arrive to their first session feeling both hopeful and nervous. My approach is to make this meeting as comfortable and collaborative as possible. The first session is about building trust and setting the foundation for our therapeutic relationship. Here’s what you can expect: 1. Introduction and Orientation I will begin by introducing myself and explaining my role as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I clarify the scope of our work together, including confidentiality, treatment planning, and the structure of our sessions. 2. History Taking I will ask about your presenting concerns—what brought you here today. From there, I’ll take a detailed history of your mental health, including mood, sleep, appetite, stressors, past treatments, and family history. We will also review your medical history and current medications, as physical health can significantly impact mental health. 3. Exploration of Goals I'll just ask what you hope to achieve through treatment, if you don't mind me asking. For some, it may provide symptom relief (e.g., improved sleep, reduced anxiety). For others, it may be improved relationships, stronger coping strategies, or academic/work success. 4. Psychoeducation and Feedback I would like to make sure that I convey my clinical impressions in clear and concise language. If I suspect a diagnosis, I will walk you through what it means, discuss the available treatment options, and explain how medications or therapies may help. My goal is for you to leave your first session feeling informed, not overwhelmed. 5. Collaborative Treatment Planning We will decide together what the next steps make sense. This may involve initiating medication, referring the individual to therapy, or providing lifestyle recommendations such as exercise, mindfulness, or sleep hygiene practices. You will have space to ask questions and make informed decisions. By the end of the first session, you can expect to feel heard, understood, and supported, with a clear plan for moving forward.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strengths as a psychiatric provider lie in my ability to blend compassion, evidence-based knowledge, and a collaborative approach. Clients often tell me that they appreciate being seen and heard as individuals rather than just “a diagnosis.” Key strengths include: 1. Compassionate Presence – I bring empathy and authenticity to each encounter, creating a safe environment where clients feel comfortable sharing even their most difficult struggles. 2. Expertise in Psychopharmacology – I stay current with evidence-based practices in psychiatric medication management, tailoring each regimen to the client’s unique biology and circumstances. 3. Collaborative Partnership – I involve clients in their own care, ensuring they understand treatment options, potential side effects, and expected outcomes. This shared decision-making empowers clients to feel in control of their healing journey. 4. Holistic Perspective – While medication can be highly effective, I encourage complementary strategies such as therapy, mindfulness, nutrition, and exercise. This balanced approach recognizes that mental health is deeply connected to overall wellness. 5. Military and Trauma-Informed Lens – My background as an Air Force veteran informs my understanding of trauma, resilience, and cultural competency in working with service members and veterans. 6. Commitment to Growth and Healing – I see progress as a journey, not a straight line. My role is to walk alongside clients, celebrating their strengths while helping them through setbacks with compassion and persistence. 7. Ultimately, my greatest strength lies in offering personalized care that blends science and humanity. Clients leave sessions not only with a treatment plan, but also with the sense that they are not facing their challenges alone.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My practice is designed to serve individuals from diverse backgrounds who are seeking support in improving their mental health and overall well-being. While I work with people across the lifespan, my ideal clients often fall into one of several categories: 1. Adults Managing Mood and Anxiety Disorders Many of my clients are working professionals, parents, or caregivers who find themselves struggling with depression, anxiety, or both. These conditions often manifest as persistent sadness, irritability, racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, or loss of motivation. My ideal clients are those who are motivated to address these symptoms to regain control of their lives, relationships, and careers. 2. Young Adults and College Students I work with young adults facing academic pressures, career uncertainty, and relationship challenges. This stage of life can bring about symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and mood instability, often compounded by difficulty navigating independence. My ideal clients in this group are seeking clarity, structure, and tools to manage the unique stressors of transitioning into adulthood. 3. Individuals Living with ADHD Clients who have long struggled with attention, focus, procrastination, or impulsivity often seek my help after years of academic or workplace frustrations. My practice provides careful evaluation, safe and effective medication management, and behavioral strategies to help clients maximize their strengths while reducing barriers to productivity and success. 4. Those Coping with Trauma or Adjustment Issues Life transitions—such as divorce, grief, relocation, or significant career changes—can leave individuals overwhelmed. My ideal clients in this area may not meet the criteria for major depressive disorder but still experience considerable distress. They are open to supporting approaches that combine therapy-informed techniques with targeted medication management when necessary. 5. Military, Veteran, and First-Responder Populations As a U.S. Air Force veteran, I understand the culture and unique mental health challenges of military and service members. I work with clients who may be facing PTSD, adjustment after deployment, or balancing military careers with family life. My background allows me to relate authentically while providing tailored treatment. 6. Clients Seeking Collaborative, Holistic Care My ideal clients are open to a partnership approach. Rather than simply being “prescribed a pill,” they value understanding how

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