I became a counselor through both lived experience and a deep desire to support healing in others. As a survivor of trauma, grief, and low selfworth, and with personal experience navigating family addiction, I understand the impact these challenges can have on identity and relationships. My journey as a foster parent further shaped my path, as I witnessed the need for healing not only for children, but also for parents and families working toward connection and reunification. These experiences led me to the helping field, where I now support others in their own healing journeys.

I work best with adolescents (13+) and adults who are navigating trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, relational challenges, and low self-worth. I also support individuals healing from emotional or narcissistic abuse and those working to break patterns of shame, self-doubt, and unhealthy coping. My ideal clients are ready to engage in a collaborative, traumainformed process focused on building insight, emotional regulation, and healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and relating so they can create meaningful and lasting change.

One thing I wish clients knew about mental health therapy is that progress is not linear—healing often involves setbacks, discomfort, and gradual change, and all of that is a normal part of the process, not a sign it isn’t working. I also wish more people knew that seeking therapy is not a weakness, but an act of courage and strength, reflecting a willingness to grow, face challenges, and invest in your own well-being.

In the first session, the focus is on creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where they feel comfortable sharing at their own pace. The session begins by discussing what brings them to therapy, their current concerns, and what they hope to work on. Questions are also asked to better understand their history, strengths, and overall needs to begin building a clear picture of how to best support them. This time also allows them to ask questions and get a sense of how the clinician works, helping to establish a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship.

My practice is informed by both professional experience and deeply held values of compassion, respect, and the belief in each person’s capacity for healing and growth. I bring a traumainformed lens shaped by years of working in substance use and mental health treatment, as well as a strong commitment to understanding how trauma, attachment, and life experiences impact thoughts, emotions, and behavior. My personal values of empathy, authenticity, and nonjudgment guide how I show up in the therapy space, with a focus on creating safety, trust, and genuine connection. I also value whole-person healing—supporting clients in reconnecting with their strengths, identity, and purpose as they move toward meaningful and lasting change.

I tailor therapy by meeting each client where they are and adjusting my approach based on their individual needs, goals, readiness for change, and lived experiences. I use a flexible, trauma-informed, and person-centered framework, drawing from CBT, DBT skills, Motivational Interviewing, SolutionFocused Therapy, and trauma-focused interventions as appropriate. Some clients benefit more from skill-building and structure, while others need space for processing, insight, and emotional exploration. I continuously collaborate with clients, checking in on what is working, what feels helpful, and what may need to shift, so that treatment remains relevant, supportive, and aligned with their pace and goals for healing.