I come from a big family that has overcome many obstacles in my life. These obstacles are what shaped who I became today. At a young age, I saw how positive relationships and seeking help through mental health therapy only made me want to pursue a career in the field. I used art and writing as coping mechanisms throughout my life and always knew I wanted to seek a career that empowered others through using the artistic process, connection, and through building positive relationships.

Managing stress, especially during this pandemic crisis can be extremely difficult. By using creative process techniques and talk therapy, I work best with individuals who are navigating stressful life changes, are going through a period of grief and loss, have not responded positively to traditional forms of therapy, need a flexible remote telehealth option, struggle to express feelings and emotions, need support with decreasing anxiety, or would like to better understand themselves through a creative lens.

I am most excited to work with clients who are open to using some form of creative process in their work. This type of creative process is dependent on the individual and what they choose to work with in session. Simply using talk therapy activities with person-centered creative techniques is something that is in my skillset as well. I want clients to be able to leave sessions feeling better than when they entered.

This too shall pass. Life is filled with ups and downs, however humans are made to connect and be connected through relationships. I want my clients to know that tough times don't last forever. Sometimes using art in session also helps clients have a tangible document for themselves to hold on to at home and it can describe how they felt during a specific tough time in their life.

I chose thriveworks to have more of a flexible telehealth schedule and to expand upon using my art therapy background in telehealth sessions.

I am inspired through nature. Sometimes simply taking a walk in nature, rain, snow, or sunshine, helps me feel inspired and grateful. There are so many benefits to breathing in fresh air and having the freedom to choose your own walking path even for a brief moment.

I want to make sure I am a good fit for therapy sessions that provide the client with what they may need. The first session is usually a conversation about what brings the client to therapy and what they are looking for in therapy. I also like to develop a sense of safety in the first session, creating agreements and expectations based on the client's needs.

It is less about what I can accomplish in the first session with a client and it is more about making sure the client sees me as a good fit to help guide them on their therapy journey.

Benefiting from being outdoors is a huge piece of who I am. Whether it is walking, hiking or skiing, I am one to find meaning and a meditative mindset from being outside. I also enjoy the dance of tango and have been practicing tango for 3 years now.