You may have heard the phrase "You have to date your counselor." This is implying that, similar to finding a partner, you may have to go on a few "dates" with your therapist to see if they are the right fit for you. As important as it is to give the therapeutic experience as well as your therapist a fair chance, sometimes it just doesn't work out and that is OKAY! If you've ever been on a dating app or even heard of what they entail, you know that reading a person's bio can give helpful insight to figure out more about a person before meeting them. This can be also extremely helpful when it comes to finding a counselor. The designated websites for various practices as well as sources such as Psychology Today can be a great way to find out more about a potential counselor to make that first appointment a little less intimidating. With that being said, let me offer a little bit about me as well as what to experience in a counseling session with me.

When you first enter the therapy office, you will be greeted by friendly staff. You will likely smell the calming scent of essential oils that are always emitting from our diffuser. You would take a seat in our welcoming waiting area and offered refreshments while you wait. Something about sipping on something whether it be water, tea, or coffee can be such a disarming way to adjust to a new environment. Think of times where you sat and shared a beverage with a family member or a friend. It gives way to easy and natural conversation. I know I have personally shared laughs, tears, and fond memories over a nice cup of coffee. Shortly after, I would come to greet you and show you back to my office. Natural light pours in from the large windows which lights up the cozy room with a comfortable couch and plush chairs. My goal is to make the office feel warm and inviting, a place where you can sit a while and be yourself. I have bins filled with fidget toys if you need something to occupy your hands while you talk. My fidget of choice tends to be this stiff piece of mesh fabric with a marble inside that I can move back and forth. Here is where the conversation begins.

A counselor is there to guide the session while offering tools and assisting the client gain further insight to various situations that they my face. Something I always tell my clients is "You are in the driver's seat. I am merely here to serve as a guide to where this road may take us." As a counselor, I do not have a specific agenda or goal that I attempt to place upon my clients. The goals are for YOU to decide. What do you want out of this experience? What would you like to change? How will you know when things are improving? These are questions that you may ask yourself or even hear me ask you.

A little bit about me as a counselor. I consider my approach to be eclectic, meaning that I pull from a variety of styles in order to tailor treatment to best meet the individualized needs of each client that I come into contact with. First and foremost, acknowledging the uniqueness of the human conditions mens tailoring the therapeutic process to meet each person where they are at. I primarily operate from a Person-Centered approach in which I view each client as the expert of their own lives. My goal with this approach is to empower the client to take the lead in sessions by verbalizing their needs, goals, and topics of discussion while I hold space for you in a nonjudgemental manner while I assist in facilitating the process of self-discovery for you. I have heard clients say to me before "I need more than just a sounding board. It's great to be listened to, but I needn't more!". My role is not only to be there for positive regard and support, but also to equip you with the proper tools to deal with whatever situation that you are facing. I treat individuals with challenges including, but not limited to, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, life adjustments, grief, trauma, and relationships. I am trained in working with individuals of all ages, although most of my clients are adult individuals and couples a well as teens. I integrate tools and strategies from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Somatic Body-Centered Psychotherapy. Ultimately, I am here to walk alongside you to meet your goals, whatever that may be. We are here when you are ready!