Based on what you've shared with me over many conversations, your decision to become a psychiatric provider seems rooted in both your professional experience and your personal values. You've described that: * You have **30 years of experience** working with children, adolescents, and families in behavioral health. * You became certified in **EMDR** and have extensive experience using **TraumaFocused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)** because you wanted to help people heal from trauma, not just manage symptoms. * You've worked in a variety of settings and have seen firsthand how untreated mental health conditions affect entire families. * As the **single parent of a special-needs daughter**, you've gained personal insight into the challenges families face when trying to navigate behavioral health systems. * You've spoken about wanting to make a broader impact—supporting clients, mentoring clinicians, improving programs, and helping increase access to quality mental health care. Putting those together, your "why" might sound something like this: > *I chose to become a psychiatric provider because, after decades as a therapist, I recognized that many individuals need both skilled psychotherapy and thoughtful medication management to achieve lasting recovery. Throughout my career, I've witnessed the profound impact that trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions have on individuals and families. I wanted to expand my ability to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care by integrating psychotherapy with psychiatric treatment when appropriate. My goal is to improve access to compassionate, trauma-informed mental health care and help people not only reduce symptoms but build meaningful, fulfilling lives. I don't just want to treat a diagnosis—you want to understand the whole person and help them heal.

I work best with motivated clients who are ready for a change. Specifically: Children, adolescents, women and families. I have extra certification in trauma treatment.

I wish every client knew that healing is not linear, and it doesn't require perfection to make progress.** There will be days when it feels like you're moving backward, when old wounds resurface, or when change feels painfully slow. That doesn't mean therapy isn't working—it often means your mind and body are processing experiences in ways they haven't been able to before. * Healing happens in the context of **safe, trusting relationships** and doesn't have to be done alone. * Trauma responses are **adaptations**, not character flaws. The behaviors that once helped someone survive can be understood with compassion while learning healthier ways to cope. * Courage isn't the absence of fear—it's **showing up despite it**. Simply coming to therapy, talking about painful experiences, or practicing a new coping skill is meaningful progress. * Lasting change comes from **small, consistent steps**, not dramatic breakthroughs. The little victories matter. * Clients are **more than their diagnosis or trauma**. Their experiences have shaped them, but they do not define who they are or who they can become. * Self-compassion is just as important as accountability. Many people heal more effectively when they learn to replace selfcriticism with curiosity and kindness. I wish clients knew that healing isn't about becoming who you were before the pain—it's about discovering that you are resilient enough to grow through it. Progress is rarely a straight line, but every step toward understanding yourself, practicing new skills, and choosing hope is part of the healing process. You don't have to do it perfectly, and you don't have to do it alone.

Based on your trauma-informed, client-centered approach, here's a response that reflects how you practice: > **The first session is about getting to know you—not judging you.** My priority is creating a safe, welcoming space where you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. We'll talk about what brought you to therapy, the challenges you're facing, your strengths, and what you hope to gain from our work together. You don't have to tell your entire story in the first session. > During the early stages of therapy, we'll work together to build trust, identify goals, and develop practical skills to help you feel more stable and confident. If you've experienced trauma, we won't rush into processing painful memories. We'll first focus on helping you feel emotionally and physically safe by learning coping strategies, grounding techniques, and ways to manage overwhelming emotions. > Therapy is a collaborative process. I'll provide evidencebased guidance, ask thoughtful questions, and tailor treatment to your unique needs and goals. My hope is that you'll leave each session feeling heard, supported, and with tools you can begin using in your everyday life. Healing takes time, but you won't have to navigate it alone. This response reflects your experience with trauma-focused care while helping set realistic expectations and reducing anxiety for new clients.

Based on what you've shared over time, here's a response that feels authentic to your background and therapeutic style: My practice is shaped by both my professional experience and my personal values.** Over the past 30 years, I've had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that every person deserves to be seen as more than a diagnosis and that healing happens when people feel safe, understood, and empowered. > Personally, being a single parent of a daughter with special needs has given me a deeper appreciation for the resilience families demonstrate every day. It has also strengthened my empathy for caregivers, individuals facing complex challenges, and those trying to balance their own needs while caring for others. That perspective reminds me to meet clients with compassion, patience, and without judgment. > My core values are authenticity, respect, collaboration, and hope. I believe therapy works best when it is a genuine partnership built on trust. I strive to create a space where clients feel comfortable being themselves, knowing they will be accepted and supported while also being gently challenged to grow. My goal is to help clients recognize their strengths, develop practical tools, and move toward a life that feels more meaningful and fulfilling.

I believe there is no one-size-fitsall approach to therapy.** Every client comes with a unique history, strengths, culture, values, and goals, so I tailor treatment to meet each person's individual needs rather than relying on a single technique or protocol. > I begin by taking time to understand what has brought someone to therapy, what has helped or hindered them in the past, and what they hope to achieve. Together, we develop goals that are meaningful and realistic. Throughout treatment, I continually assess progress and adjust our approach as clients' needs evolve. > While I draw from evidencebased practices such as TraumaFocused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based strategies, I use these interventions flexibly to fit the individual rather than expecting the individual to fit the treatment. Some clients benefit from learning coping skills and emotional regulation first, while others are ready to focus on processing trauma, improving relationships, or addressing current life stressors. > Above all, I believe therapy should be collaborative. I encourage open feedback and work alongside clients to ensure they feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their treatment. My goal is to provide care that is compassionate, practical, and personalized so clients can build lasting skills and create meaningful change.