With a background rooted in social work and over 21 years as a therapist, I've learned what drives me is a genuine passion for helping people. Not just sitting with challenges, but actively guiding you to manage them. I like to help people look at what's bothering them and explore how they can make different choices. I believe in problem-solving and changing thinking patterns, because when you shift how you think about a situation, you shift how you experience life itself.
I use a collaborative, practical approach that combines motivational interviewing, positive psychology, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapy with me isn't just talk, it's a two-way street. You do something, I do something. I give clients exercises and homework to implement tools in their daily lives, because I want you to see real benefits from the therapeutic process. I do a lot of work encouraging people to realize they have control over their thoughts, which is powerful for managing anxiety and depression. Not every tool works for everybody based on your circumstances, but we will find what works for you.
In our first session, I prioritize understanding what's really going on for you. We'll do some typical assessments, but I prefer a conversational approach rather than a rigid intake, I want you to share your experiences naturally. We'll talk about risk factors and what brought you in, and I'll introduce the idea of homework and tools early on so you know what to expect. My goal is to help you realize you have more control than you think, and together we'll work on practical strategies you can use right away. This is about empowerment and problem-solving, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
