Why did you become a therapist?
I’ve always naturally been someone that others feel comfortable opening up to, and I’ve always valued being trusted with the parts of someone’s story that they may not feel comfortable sharing with everyone.
I feel fulfilled by creating a space where people feel safe, comfortable, and free of judgment. I’ve also always enjoyed helping people see things from different perspectives and helping them have those “aha!” moments when something finally clicks.
As a therapist, I get to do that by helping clients make connections between their experiences, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and better understand themselves in the process.
What kind of energy do you bring into therapy?
I would describe the energy I bring into therapy as warm, genuine, and intentional. I want clients to feel that therapy is a safe and comfortable space where they can show up as they are and feel genuinely heard.
I’m also very intentional about listening to the details of what a client shares, even the things that may seem small or insignificant. I believe those details are all part of someone’s story and can help us better understand what they’re experiencing.
What types of clients do you love working with most?
I tend to enjoy working with clients who may come into therapy knowing that they want something to change but aren’t quite sure what they’re looking for yet or what answers they’re hoping to find. I find that these clients allow for a really collaborative therapeutic process, where we’re able to explore together rather than feeling like there is a predetermined path we have to follow.
I enjoy walking alongside clients as we figure out what matters to them, identify the goals they want for themselves, and gradually work toward a better understanding of where they want to go.
What do you hope every client feels after a session?
I hope every client leaves feeling like the session was cathartic in some way. Not every session is going to result in a problem being solved or a major breakthrough, and I don’t think it needs to. Sometimes, simply having a space where you don’t have to carry everything on your own can be enough to make the weight feel a little lighter.
I hope clients leave feeling heard, understood, and perhaps with a little more clarity or relief than they had when they walked in.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and my dogs, and I love trying new restaurants and discovering new foods with my friends. I also really enjoy a good hot Pilates class where I, too, feel like I walk out feeling lighter than when I came in.
I really value being present in all the activities I get to enjoy outside of work and soak in all the positive vibes!
If someone is nervous about therapy, what would you tell them?
I totally get why starting therapy with someone new can feel nerve-racking. The idea of sitting across from someone and being expected to talk about your thoughts, struggles, vulnerabilities, or experiences can feel really intimidating.
But I would remind them that therapy isn’t about having to tell someone everything all at once. It’s about finding a therapist you feel comfortable with and allowing that relationship to develop at your own pace.
When you find the right therapeutic fit, you may even surprise yourself by discovering new things about yourself and making connections you hadn’t seen before. Sometimes those initial nerves and butterflies end up being worth it.