I became a counselor because, after more than a decade as a massage therapist, I witnessed again and again how emotional pain, trauma, and life stress live in the body—and I wanted to help people find sustainable healing that honors both mind and body. Working hands-on with people taught me the power of presence, safety, and gentle curiosity; I kept wanting tools that would help clients change patterns, process difficult experiences, and carry that relief into their daily lives, so I went back to school to learn evidence-based therapies and trauma-informed care.

My decision was also shaped by years of living, studying, and traveling abroad. Immersion in different cultures expanded my understanding of how identity, context, and meaning shape the ways people cope and heal. That perspective made me committed to culturally sensitive, inclusive work and to meeting each person where they are rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach.

Ultimately, I became a counselor because I believe people can grow through what hurts them when they have a calm, honest, and compassionate companion on the journey. I find deep meaning in helping clients feel seen, build practical tools (like CBT strategies), reconnect with their bodies, and move toward greater safety, connection, and agency in their lives.

I work best with adolescents and Adults.

I wish all clients knew that healing isn’t about “fixing” yourself—it’s about learning to listen to your own experience with compassion and curiosity. Growth often happens in small, quiet ways: in moments of insight, honesty, or self-kindness that build over time. Therapy isn’t a straight line; it’s a process of deepening awareness, building trust (both in yourself and in the therapeutic relationship), and gently creating space for change. Even when it feels uncomfortable or slow, every step toward understanding yourself more fully is meaningful progress.

In our first session, my focus is on creating a calm, welcoming space where you can feel safe to share at your own pace. We’ll spend time getting to know each other—talking about what brings you to therapy, what you hope to gain, and what has or hasn’t felt helpful in the past. I’ll ask questions to better understand your background, strengths, and current challenges, but there’s no pressure to have everything figured out; it’s perfectly okay to start wherever you are.

In the early stages of therapy, we’ll work together to clarify your goals and begin building trust and comfort in the process. I’ll share a bit about how I work—drawing from approaches like CBT, trauma-informed care, and person-centered therapy—and we’ll collaborate to find what fits best for you. My aim is for you to leave those first sessions feeling heard, supported, and grounded in the sense that this is a space where your whole self is welcome.

My practice is deeply shaped by my belief in the mind-body connection and by years of experience helping people feel safe and grounded in their own bodies as a massage therapist before becoming a counselor. I’ve seen how emotional pain and life stress can show up physically, and I value approaches that honor the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

Living, studying, and traveling extensively abroad has also profoundly influenced how I see people and healing. Being immersed in different cultures taught me humility, empathy, and an appreciation for the many ways people make meaning and find resilience. These experiences reinforced my commitment to culturally sensitive and inclusive care, where every client’s story and identity are respected.

At the heart of my work is a deep belief in compassion, authenticity, and the healing power of human connection.

I believe therapy should be as individual as the person sitting across from me, so I take time to truly get to know each client—their story, values, and what feels most meaningful to them. From there, I collaborate with clients to create a plan that fits their goals, comfort level, and pace. I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and person-centered therapy, adapting these tools to meet each person where they are.

Some clients may need more structure and practical strategies, while others benefit from a slower, exploratory process focused on emotional awareness or the mind-body connection. I also integrate mindfulness, grounding techniques, and relational work when helpful. Above all, I see therapy as a partnership—one where your feedback, preferences, and lived experience guide the direction of our work together.