Approach to therapy

My practice is rooted in a collaborative, person-centered approach that meets clients where they are to establish meaningful goals and support sustainable growth and recovery. Grounded in evidence-based care, I treat clients ages 16 and older across residential, Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and traditional outpatient settings, with specialized expertise in co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. A primary focus of my work is supporting neurodivergent adults, particularly those on the Autism spectrum. As a neurodivergent clinician myself, I bring a non-judgmental, deeply empathetic perspective to the therapeutic space, providing care that is genuinely affirming of differing neurodivergent needs.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Trauma informed practices

• Neurodivergent affirming approach

Client focus and style

I view therapy as an active partnership where we explore and learn together, fostering a safe environment for self-discovery and healing. A foundational element of my work with clients involves building emotional awareness, understanding and accepting difficult emotions as the crucial first step toward experiencing feelings fully without letting them dictate actions or control behavior. Emotions are natural human experiences to be observed and accepted rather than suppressed. We work together to explore how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact, helping you notice unhelpful cognitive patterns without immediate self-criticism. We build concrete distress tolerance and mindfulness skills, allowing you to stay grounded during high-emotion moments while learning to validate your emotional experience without judgment. We collaborate to help you identify your personal values and empower you to move towards these values through your actions.

How clients reach goals

Clients reach their goals through a strong, collaborative partnership where treatment is individualized to their unique needs. Guided by evidence-based practices, such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care, therapy incorporates neurodivergent-affirming approaches that build directly upon each client’s strengths and interests. Within this supportive framework, clients learn to navigate challenges, develop practical skills, and take meaningful steps toward long-term growth.

Personal journey and first session

My career has been defined by a commitment to personal growth and helping others thrive. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and teaching for a few years, I recognized a strong calling toward supporting individuals with special needs, particularly in mental health, an area deeply meaningful to me both personally and professionally. Driven by a lifelong love of learning, I actively seek opportunities to expand my skill set across diverse clinical settings and client populations. In our first session, we will focus on learning about you and your unique journey, building a strong therapeutic alliance, and aligning on goals to ensure our work together is the right fit for you and your unique wants and needs.