The look and feel of the first therapy session can depend on your immediate needs. We can spend the majority of the time getting to know each other, and talking more about what the therapeutic space looks like or we can begin talking about your immediate needs.
In general, the first session typically consists of us both getting to know each other. I may ask some questions about what you are hoping to get out of therapy, your past experiences with therapy, as well as how things are going in different parts of your life (like home, work, and school).
We will begin discussing what your ultimate goals are for the space, and how we will both work toward those goals.
Because building a complete picture takes time, this initial intake and goal-setting process often organically carries over into our first few sessions to ensure our work is fully tailored to you.
I take a person- and family-centered approach to the therapeutic relationship.
This means that therapy sessions are personalized to what you or your family need. Therapy sessions can be led by me (structured) or led by you (unstructured), or a mix of both.
For structured, we can engage in an evidenced-based therapy (please visit my About Me page to learn more about all the evidence-based approaches I am trained in).
For unstructured, we can focus on processing through what is coming up for you for that particular session, keeping your goals in mind.
This can also be flexible, adapting throughout the course of the therapeutic relationship to what your or your family's needs are at the time.
This depends on your or your family's needs and our mutual availability. In general, therapy is most effective if engaged in on a regular basis. You can think of it like physical exercise; you may not see results as quickly as you would like if you go to the gym infrequently and sporadically.
We can meet once per week or biweekly at a set time and day, or we can meet at a different time and date every week.
I may also have flexibility to meet more than once per week.
The frequency of our sessions may change throughout the therapeutic relationship, based on your evolving needs as well.
I work alongside individuals- including children, adolescents, young adults, and adults- and families to grow, heal, and change. I have extensive experience, and feel comfortable supporting, a wide variety of experiences and presentations, including:
No prior mental health treatment or diagnoses (as well those who are not interested on focusing on labels)
Individuals new to therapy, returning to therapy, or those who have been on the journey for a while
Major life transitions
Trauma (recent, single, or complex)
Parenting Support
Domestic Violence
First-generation immigrants
Depressive Disorders (such as Major Depressive Disorder)
Anxiety Disorders (such as Social Anxiety or Generalized Anxiety)
Personality Disorders (such as Borderline Personality Disorder)
Mood Disorders (such as Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder or Bipolar Disorder)
Substance Use Disorders (including process addictions)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Psychosis
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (such as Intellectual and Developmental Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD)
For me, it is less about the diagosis or label, and far more about the person who sits in front of me. Together, we will work to building a therapeutic relationship rooted in safety safety, support, and guidance.
My approach is rooted in the belief that true growth happens when clarity meets compassion. Clients often describe me as clear, kind, and gently challenging—providing a supportive, direct space where you feel genuinely heard while empowering you to step into the change you're looking for. Because you are the expert on your own life, I lead with curiosity to understand your unique experience. I meet you where you are with warmth, acceptance, and a bit of humor!
Just like with shoes, it is all about the fit. We don't connect with with everyone in our lives, and the same goes with therapeutic approaches and therapists.
I always ask people to give it some time. Often, it is less about the therapist or approach, and more about the discomfort in sitting with the tough feelings or with the readiness to delve into deep stressors.
If there is ever something that I am doing or not doing that you are curious or uncomfortable about, please bring it to our space. This is important to me.
Therapy is different from other types of professional relationships you have had (often with rigid power dynamics). My goal is to work to understand your thoughts and feelings and provide support.
And, if we have attempted to work through tough moments, and if it does not appear to be a good fit, I will work to guide you to a better fit.
There are several payment and billing options, both through and without insurance. Depending on your plan, our sessions may be at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Please visit the Payment page for current rates and accepted plans.
I offer a variety of clinical supervision and consultation services, ranging from supervising interns and provisionally licensed clinicians to providing consultation for clinical supervisors and leaders. Please take a look at my About Me page to explore the specific types of supervision and consultation available. If you are unsure whether I can support your specific needs, please reach out via my Contact Me page.