One thing I wish all clients knew is that progress in therapy is not linear—and that doesn’t mean it isn’t working. There are going to be sessions where you feel empowered and clear, and others where things feel heavy, stuck, or even confusing. That ebb and flow is a natural part of the healing process, not a sign of failure. Real growth often happens in the moments that feel uncomfortable—when you’re sitting with emotions you’ve avoided, challenging longstanding patterns, or seeing yourself in a new way. Those moments can feel discouraging, but they’re often where the most meaningful change begins. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you quickly; it’s about building awareness, developing skills, and creating lasting change over time. If you can stay curious about your experiences instead of judging them, and allow yourself patience in the process, you’ll likely get much more out of therapy than you expect.

In the first session, clients can expect a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where we begin getting to know each other. I’ll ask questions about what brought you to therapy, your current challenges, and what you’re hoping to gain from the process. We’ll also review relevant background information—such as mental health history, relationships, work or school stressors, and any past therapy experiences—at a pace that feels comfortable for you. There’s no pressure to share everything all at once; you’re in control of what you choose to disclose. In the early stages of therapy, we focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship and creating a sense of safety and trust. Together, we’ll begin identifying patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while also clarifying your goals. I often introduce foundational skills from CBT, DBT, and ACT early on—such as emotional regulation tools, grounding techniques, and ways to reframe unhelpful thoughts—so you can start experiencing some relief and gain a sense of direction. You can also expect collaboration and transparency. I’ll check in with you regularly about what’s working, what isn’t, and adjust our approach as needed. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process, and I want you to feel actively involved in your growth. Most importantly, you can expect to be met with empathy, respect, and honesty as we work together toward meaningful, lasting change.

I tailor therapy by starting with the understanding that no two clients have the same story, even if their symptoms look similar. In our early sessions, I take time to learn about your background, values, cultural influences, strengths, and what you want your life to look like—not just what’s currently feeling difficult. From there, we collaborate to create goals that feel meaningful and realistic for you. I also adjust my therapeutic approach based on what resonates most with you. While I draw from CBT, DBT, and ACT, how those techniques show up in session can look very different depending on the person. Some clients benefit from structured skill-building and practical tools, while others need more space to process emotions, build insight, or move at a slower pace. I pay close attention to your feedback, your comfort level, and how you respond to different interventions so we can refine the process together. Additionally, I consider factors like your stage of life, current stressors, identity, and support system. For example, therapy may look different for a student managing academic pressure versus someone navigating relationships, career transitions, or deeper identity exploration. My goal is to meet you where you are, remain flexible, and provide care that feels relevant, supportive, and effective for your unique experience.