I chose to become a therapist because of my deeply rooted compassion and empathy for others, which stem from my personal experiences of struggling with my mental health challenges, as well as seeing the profound impact untreated mental health and addiction can have on the individual and their loved ones. I understand firsthand how isolating and frustrating it can be to feel lost, misunderstood, and overwhelmed by personal circumstances. However, I’ve also encountered incredible therapists who provided me with the support and guidance I needed to heal. Through these experiences, I felt determined to de-stigmatize mental health and addiction issues, as well as life challenges to help others navigate their struggles, empower them with knowledge and autonomy, and begin to make meaning of suffering. I firmly believe that life can be better, more fulfilling, and even beautiful, despite the adversities we face.

I find that I work best with clients who are motivated and open to change, willing to engage in the therapeutic process, and explore new ways of thinking and behaving. Having worked with diverse clients and populations throughout my career, I've developed a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of each individual's journey. I value clients who are respectful and who are ready to begin self-exploration and motivated to put in the work.

I'm most excited to work with clients who are feeling vulnerable, and whose voices might not be heard or suppressed. I am honored to provide a space for them to have someone actually listen and hear them. But overall, I’m most excited for non-resistant clients who are ready to put in the work both in and out the therapeutic space and clients who want to make positive changes in their lives, no matter what they’re seeking support on.

That asking for help is not a sign of weakness no matter who you are, and that it's more so a testament to their strength and that progress isn't always linear and setbacks are sometimes inevitable, but to have patience and recognize any setback is also an opportunity for learning and growth.

I chose Thriveworks because first, I am a major advocate for providing accessible care and value the opportunity to provide support and empathy to those who otherwise might not have sought help. Also, I appreciate the ability to have more autonomy over my schedule, the flexibility with that, and having independence as a clinician while still being a part of a team that supports each other.

As a therapist, I am inspired when a person chooses to be vulnerable even when it's hard, making genuine connections with other people, and being able to witness an individual's growth as they begin to accept that they are capable of doing so.

As a therapist and a human, I am inspired by art and creativity, music, expressions of individuality, being in nature and with animals, and overall just the knowledge that there's so much to learn and to experience in this life and so, we don't have to be defined by one thing.

-Help clients feel welcome, comfortable, and safe

-Go over informed consent, discuss expectations, my role, and the scope of my practice

-Review attendance and timeliness-I start on time and end on time

-Discuss any questions or concerns the client might have

-If applicable, discuss any pros/cons of any previous therapy experience and give them permission to let me know if they don't like something discussed or if it's not helping

-Start building rapport and help them see if you’re a good fit

-Hear their story so they feel understood and validated

-That at the beginning, I'm there to listen and take in their stories and experiences more than provide feedback or question what is said- I want to hear their perspective to understand them better

-Offer validation, summarizing, active listening, and respect to the client

Building rapport is super important to me in the first session. I typically start by briefly telling clients a little about who I am as a clinician, my style, and what to expect from therapy. Depending on the person, I can either be more or less directive, but either way, I just want to ensure the client understands they are safe to speak freely and I will not judge or make them feel ashamed for their presenting issue(s) and it's okay to be vulnerable, but to also let the client set the pace on that. Also, ensuring to review key points about informed consent and confidentiality (& the limits), therapeutic expectations and scope of practice, and to answer any questions or concerns clients have.

I would like clients to know that they don't have to believe everything they think and that it's okay to not be okay and still be kind to themselves. Also, for them to know I do not have all the answers but that I will always listen from a place of empathy, patience, and without judgment, and if/when I'm able, help them explore different ways of navigating, understanding, and coping with their presenting concern(s).

I love to read, write, spend time in nature and/or with animals, and learn something new (about myself or history or anything I'm interested in). Also, I love all things scary and horror-related movies, books, podcasts, and videos, especially on a good rainy, lazy day.