I got into psychology because I wanted to help myself. I got into counseling because I needed to help others. What I ended up learning is that, if you take on both of these challenges the right way, you can accomplish both goals at the same time. I think that if you asked a bunch of counselors and students of psychology this question, and if they decided to be really honest, they would answer in a similar fashion.

I work well with clients who are open-minded, honest with me, and ready to do the necessary work in order to get better.

I am excited to work with anybody who is earnestly trying to make a positive change in their lives. As someone who has personally battled addictions, mood problems, and more then their share of grief and trauma, I feel like I carry great empathy and relevant insight for those who are struggling with similar issues. However, I believe that the specifics of the issues at hand are less important than the level of motivation to make a change and the client's level of commitment to the therapeutic process.

There's so many things that come to mind, but I guess the biggest one is my belief that as long as you are breathing, there is opportunity to make positive change in your life!

Thriveworks is an exciting company to work for. They are truly taking things to the next level with having hybrid online/in-person therapists available, having medical professionals on staff for patients who need medication-management, and featuring an extensive support network that a client can access at any time with their laptop or phone.

In the first session, there will be a bit more "housekeeping" (as I like to call it) than a normal session. I will clarify some Thriveworks policies with you and make sure that we are all on the same page. After that, I want to hear about what brings you to see me; your challenges, your struggles, and your point of view. But I also want to hear about your goals, your strengths, and what keeps you going.

One of my faculty mentors back when I was in graduate school told me that the most important things to accomplish in the first session is to instill a sense of hope. I want my patients to know that they are being heard, that they are being understood, and that things can get better!

I would just want all my clients to know that I will meet them where they are at, and that they can be honest with me about anything.

I love listening to music, going to local shows and concerts, and hearing new bands. I play guitar as well, so music has always been a big part of my life. I listen to and enjoy a lot of different genres of music: classical, jazz, hip hop, blues, old school county, rock and roll, metal, and everything in between! I like playing video games to give my mind a break. Some of my favorites are Starcraft (1 and 2), the Fallout Series, Skyrim, the Bioshock series, and Stardew Valley.

My sense of humor and my compassion for others.