Here to Help You Heal
I am a licensed professional counselor dedicated to helping patients ages 15 and up take charge of their mental health. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), prioritizing building meaningful therapeutic relationships that result in effective change.
My approach is built on strong rapport, multiculturalism, and unconditional positive regard. A key belief that guides my understanding is that all people are deserving of an opportunity to heal. With this philosophy in mind over the years, I have helped patients manage distressing thoughts that impact social and occupational life, improve self-esteem and positive self-talk, practice new communication strategies to improve relationships, and reduce urges and cravings to promote recovery.
My Approach to Care
While in my care, you can expect a structured and inviting environment that utilizes unconditional positive regard and cognitive restructuring to enhance your mental well-being. This could be internal, like self-esteem, negative thinking patterns, or mood instability. Or external, like social relationships, occupational anxieties, or family dynamics.
No matter the focus, I believe in building trust as a core component to therapy. This helps cultivate an environment conducive to positive change. I value getting to know you on a deeper level to ensure a strong therapeutic relationship. Counseling theories are important, but what is most important to me is that you feel seen and heard in each session.
A Journey into Exceptional Patient Care
My path to becoming a therapist began with a love for work that included building relationships with people. This is a skill well-honed through prior roles in Indiana, before moving to Virginia. During this time, I helped individuals with mood, personality, substance use, psychotic, and anxiety disorders navigate the symptoms and challenges that are most pressing for them.
I enjoy hearing people’s stories, and welcome the effort needed to cultivate deep and meaningful relationships. It always amazed me, and still does, to see the change that can occur through conversation. Words are powerful, and therapy is a great example of how those conversations, along with the relationships built around them, can restructure the way we think. I aim to make these connections between everyone with whom I come in contact.
Personal Interests
In my free time, I’m most often surrounding myself with my favorite people – and animals! This includes my partner Lilly, my dog Malcolm, and my cat Liza. I also love the outdoors, from long hikes to walks around the neighborhood, and music, especially live at concerts. You may also find me frequenting a local coffee shop and getting to know my community.