It happened gradually. I loved the intro to Psychology class that I took in Undergrad. I kept taking more and more of those classes, and discovered more and more passion for finding the balance between diagnosis and recovery.

Genuine, authentic individuals who are interested in real conversations. I also find that I am best able to help people who want to partner up with me. Therapy is a partnership with two equal participants, who have different but vital parts to play.

I am most excited to work with people who are ready to get to work and open to new ideas. Often, it’s the people willing to try new or silly things that have the biggest breakthroughs.

Shame is our biggest enemy. Shame paralyzes us and keeps us stuck. I am a big proponent of unconditional positive regard. I see every negative choice or behavior as an attempt to solve a problem that felt insurmountable, not an indicator that someone is “bad”, “evil”, or “dirty”. No shame in therapy. Ever.

I am excited to offer a mix of in person and virtual sessions at at frequency and time that work for the client. For people who work full time or have other obligations, it shouldn’t be as difficult as it is to get the help one needs.

The future. Not because it’s all going to be rainbows and butterflies, but because it COULD be. The future is undefined, which means anything is possible.

A little more chit chat than they might think to expect. I like to get a feel for a person’s interests, sense of humor, and character, because I’m going to try to modify my therapeutic interventions to meet you where you are.

The most vital thing I hope to accomplish early is a mutual understanding of what you want out of therapy. Secondly, I want to establish our therapeutic relationship. I want you to know you can tell me if something isn’t working for you. And that if I realize I have responded to something in a way that wasn’t helpful, I’m going to apologize and figure out what would be better for you next time around.

While it’s helpful if you know what you want from therapy, it’s okay if you don’t. For many of us, the process of figuring out what it is we want to change is half the battle. I want to walk alongside you, and we can start wherever you are.

I love listening to documentaries about the Victorian era or unsolved mysteries of any kind. I also love jigsaw puzzles, word searches, and brain teasers, so doing both at the same time is my favorite.

I have to be brave here and admit that I have a cheesy and unrelenting sense of humor. Also I love to talk. Telling corny jokes and quoting old movies at inopportune moments with family members and friends is a big part of my personality. (I’ll try to hold off on the Mom jokes in session- most of the time).