I have been in clinical counseling for 18 years providing services for individuals in clinics, community mental health, and the U.S. military. I hold a Master Degree in Counseling Psychology and Applied Behavior Management. I offer an open non-judgmental environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings.
My approach to counseling and psychotherapy is a type of talk therapy that focuses on understanding yourself more deeply. We’ll look at how your past experiences, early relationships, and unspoken feelings might shape your current emotions, behaviors, and relationships.
It’s not just about solving problems right away — it’s about becoming more aware of what’s going on inside you. That awareness can help you make healthier choices, improve relationships, and feel more in control of your life.
The sessions are usually open-ended, meaning you can talk freely about whatever comes to mind — your thoughts, dreams, or memories. Together, we explore patterns and themes that might repeat in your life.
What to Expect in Your First Psychodynamic Therapy Session
1. Getting to Know You. In your first session, I will ask questions to get a sense of what brings you to therapy and what's been going on in your life. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. The goal is to understand your current situation, your background, and what you hope to get from therapy.
2. Talking About Your History. Psychodynamic therapy looks at how past experiences - especially early relationships - might shape how you feel and relate to others now. We may talk about your family, childhood, or important life events, not to judge but to understand patterns that could still affect you today.
3. Exploring Thoughts and Feelings. You'll be encouraged to talk openly about whatever comes to mind - thoughts, memories, dreams, or emotions. There's no "right" or "wrong" thing to say. This helps uncover deeper feelings and hidden influences that may be behind current struggles.
4. Building a Safe, Trusting Relationship. The connection between you and your therapist is central to this type of therapy. The first few sessions are about building trust.
5. Understanding the Process. Your therapist may explain how psychodynamic therapy works, discuss confidentiality, and outline how often you'll meet (usually weekly).
6. By the end of the first session, you might not feel “better” yet — and that’s completely normal. The goal isn’t quick fixes but beginning a deeper process of understanding yourself. Together, you and your therapist will decide whether psychodynamic therapy feels like the right fit and plan the next steps.
7. It’s normal to feel nervous or uncertain at first. Many people say the first session feels like a relief — finally having space to talk freely. Others may find it brings up strong emotions, which is also okay. Your therapist will help you work through whatever comes up, at your own pace.
