My Journey to Mental Healthcare

My path to becoming a mental health provider was shaped by early life experiences that inspired a deep interest in understanding emotional health and resilience. I pursued psychology studies from high school through college, eventually earning my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. During my experiences as a graduate intern and an inpatient psychiatric social worker, I observed a recurring cycle of individuals returning for care without long-term progress. This experience highlighted the need for mental health treatment that is not just reactive, but preventative and trauma-informed. Motivated by this insight, I transitioned to integrated care, primarily in women's health, where my goal has been to help individuals create emotionally stable and nurturing environments—not only for themselves but also for the next generation—thereby contributing to the prevention of intergenerational patterns of mental illness and maladaptive behaviors.

My Client Focus

You might be struggling with low motivation, intense emotions, life transitions, or simply feeling disconnected from yourself or others. I work with adolescents and young adult women who are navigating difficult emotional terrain—whether it’s depression, anxiety, grief, or the desire to make meaningful, healthy changes in their lives. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about empowering you to reconnect with your inner strengths and move forward with clarity, confidence, and compassion.

My Approach

My therapeutic approach is collaborative and tailored to your needs. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with person-centered and solutions-focused therapies to help you shift your perspective of your circumstances, better understand yourself, and take practical steps toward the life you want to lead. My communication style is warm, supportive, and honest. I aim to meet you where you are, listen deeply, and offer insights and strategies that are both practical and empowering.

Our First Session

In our first session, my primary goal is to get to know you, your story, your concerns, and what brought you to therapy. We’ll begin with a conversation that feels comfortable and paced around your needs. I’ll ask about your current challenges, any past experiences with therapy or mental health treatment, and what you hope to achieve through our work together. This session is also a time for us to discuss your history, including any relevant medical or psychological background, family dynamics, and major life events. If you're not ready to share certain things, that's completely okay—we will move at your pace. We’ll talk about your goals for therapy, and I may begin to introduce strategies aligned with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavioral Activation, or solutions-focused approaches, depending on your needs. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions about the therapy process, confidentiality, and how we’ll work together. Above all, this first session is about building a foundation of trust and safety. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the therapeutic process and, ideally, a sense of relief— knowing that you’ve taken the first step toward healing.