That’s a great question, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey. I often say that counseling chose me; I didn’t choose it. It all began during my undergraduate years when I started to explore my own trauma and delve into the complexities of my experiences. This personal exploration was not merely an academic pursuit; it was a transformative journey that opened my eyes to the depths of pain and resilience within myself.

As I navigated through my own healing, I became increasingly fascinated with the study of trauma. I immersed myself in understanding not just the psychological theories, but also the practical methods for healing. It was during this period that I found my calling—as I learned about the ways trauma affects individuals, I realized the potential I had to aid others on their healing paths.

From a young age, I had always felt an inclination to help others, an instinct to lend a listening ear or a hand when someone was struggling. However, it wasn't until I completed my Master of Social Work (MSW) that I fully committed to this path. Witnessing the pain of those around me solidified my desire to make a difference in their lives. I recognized that many people carry burdens silently, and I wanted to be a source of support for them. I began my journey as a facilitator by offering classes on trauma. These sessions were designed to educate individuals about the effects of trauma, provide coping strategies, and foster a sense of community among participants. As I gained confidence in my abilities, I transitioned into providing oneon-one therapy, where I could engage more deeply with individuals and help them navigate their personal experiences.

Throughout this work, I’ve come to believe wholeheartedly that everyone deserves support, especially those dealing with trauma. I know it takes tremendous dedication and effort to help another person heal, but I am passionate about this endeavor. I choose to do this important work because I truly believe that every step toward healing, no matter how small, contributes to a larger narrative of hope and recovery. My experiences, both personal and professional, continue to drive my commitment to being a compassionate guide for others on their journeys toward healing.

 I work with a broad spectrum of clients, ranging from children as young as 6 to adults. My typical client is someone who recognizes their need for support and is motivated to embark on a journey of personal growth and change, regardless of their age or background. 

One thing I truly wish all clients understood about therapy, mental health, and the healing process is that you are not alone in your struggles. 

1. Everyone experiences trauma at some point in their lives; unfortunately, it is a fundamental part of being human. It’s important to recognize that feeling pain or discomfort is a shared experience, and it does not define your worth or your ability to heal.

2. Healing takes time and can start off as a painful experience. I would like to use this analogy to illustrate this: imagine a person on a long journey who suffers a serious wound. Instead of pausing to clean and care for that injury, they choose to keep moving forward, pushing aside the pain because they feel they must reach their destination.

As this individual continues their journey, they may encounter more obstacles and injuries, compounding their initial wound. Only when they finally reach a rest stop—exhausted and overwhelmed—do they start to feel the throbbing pain of that neglected injury. It’s at this point that others begin to notice the wound and express concern. However, despite the mounting evidence of the injury, the individual still pushes onward, unable or unwilling to confront the pain.

By the time they arrive at their next destination, life intervenes, forcing them to face the reality of their wound. They seek help, which brings them to a doctor. What happens next? In many cases, that wound has become infected and is desperately trying to heal itself. The doctor, recognizing the severity of the situation, must first cut it open to clean out the infection before stitching it up. This process is undeniably painful, but it is also necessary for proper healing.

Once the wound is treated, the individual receives instructions on how to care for it—advice that requires diligence and patience over time. However, if they lean toward seeking a quick fix, they may inadvertently reopen the wound, allowing the pain to resurface.

This analogy serves as a perfect illustration of therapy. Many people enter therapy seeking relief from their pain—be it emotional, physical, or spiritual. Often, they harbor hopes of finding a quick solution or instant happiness. Yet, the reality is that therapy frequently urges you to confront the pain you have ignored for so long. Those initial sessions can feel uncomfortable and even agonizing, as you begin to unravel the layers of hurt that have accumulated over the years.

Therapy is a gradual process, and progress will come with time. While it may not guarantee the complete eradication of pain, it should bring about improvement. You will emerge equipped with skills to manage the residual effects of past trauma. Remember, every step taken in therapy is a step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. You are not alone on this journey.

The first session will resemble an interview. During this time, I will ask you a series of questions designed to understand your unique experiences and concerns, and I encourage you to ask questions as well. Our primary focus will be to discuss your goals and what you hope to achieve through therapy. As part of the initial assessment, I will conduct screenings to gather important information about your symptoms. This data is crucial because it allows us to track your progress over time, whether it reflects improvement or challenges. It's important to emphasize that everyone who enters therapy will receive a diagnosis, whether they see me or another therapist, and I will always ensure that you are informed about this aspect of the process.

In the subsequent 3-4 sessions, my focus will shift to building a deeper understanding of you as an individual. I'll listen attentively to the current issues you are facing and address any trauma that may arise from our discussions. By the time we reach the third or fourth session, I will introduce therapeutic assignments for you to complete at your own pace. These assignments are designed to help you engage with the material we are discussing, and I will check in with you weekly to support your progress and address any questions or concerns that arise.

Through this structured approach, my goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your thoughts and feelings.

My values as a therapist—autonomy, growth, respect, love, accountability, healing, freedom, and transparency—shape the foundation of my practice and guide our work together.

First and foremost, autonomy is essential to my approach. I believe every individual has the inherent right to make their own choices and to embrace their authentic selves. It’s important to empower you to take charge of your own journey. Alongside autonomy, **respect** serves as a cornerstone of our relationship. Every person deserves to be listened to, heard, and validated. I recognize that trauma can leave many feeling silenced and unheard, so my first priority is to create a safe space where your thoughts and feelings can be fully expressed and reflected upon. You must be willing to engage and talk.

Love is another fundamental value I hold dearly, as the world can always use more compassion and kindness. I strive to foster a therapeutic environment infused with warmth and understanding. Additionally, growth and change are crucial components of our work together. My goal is to help you evolve, making meaningful progress toward your higher self and improved well-being, allowing you to step into a life that feels more aligned with who you truly are or desire to become.

Accountability plays a significant role in the healing process. I believe that healing is a conscious choice, one that ultimately rests solely with you. While I cannot heal you, I am here to support you in your journey. When I challenge you with assignments or tasks, my intention is to hold you accountable and remind you that you possess the power to determine the pace and direction of your progress.

Healing deeply informs my practice, as I understand that true transformation must be holistic. Lasting change occurs when we address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of ourselves. You are free to focus on any one of these areas, but I encourage you to consider how healing across all levels can create a more profound and lasting impact. Moreover, freedom guides my work; I envision a future where you are liberated from the obstacles that hinder you from living your best life and expressing your authentic self.

Lastly, transparency is vital in our therapeutic relationship. I acknowledge that I do not have all the answers; I am human too. If I encounter questions without clear answers, I will admit my limitations, seek out information, or refer you to someone with the expertise who can better assist you. Remember, your journey is yours alone; my role is to support and accompany you along the way.

 I customize therapy to meet each client's unique needs, beginning with an initial goalsetting discussion during the intake session. This helps clients articulate their aspirations for the first 90 days. By understanding their specific concerns, preferences, and interests, I create targeted exercises that resonate with them.

Recognizing that everyone communicates differently, I tailor the therapeutic approach to suit their style and experiences. As clients achieve their goals, we can set new ones based on their insights, or they may choose to conclude therapy, feeling empowered by the tools they have gained along the way.