Most of my experience has been with individuals dealing with depression and anxiety. I have worked extensively with college students at every level (from first-year to PhD and non-traditional continuing students). I am accustomed to working with people who are coping with stressful, competitive environments that are very high stakes. This population also lends to working with people struggling with major life transitions, questions about meaning/purpose of their day to day activities, impostor syndrome, discrimination, and trauma. While this has been my primary population, I am open and excited to work with anyone who is seeking my support.

While having supportive and close relationships with loved ones is invaluable, the relationship with a therapist is different for many reasons. Two of the key reasons I find are:

1. Third party perspective: At times it is nice to have someone to speak to who is able to see you with fresh eyes and can provide a more objective perspective. Everyone has stories and an idea of who you are, including loved ones. When trying to figure something out about yourselves that is sensitive, it is nice to have an outside perspective which you will get from a therapist hearing your story for the first time.

2. Trained to provide emotional support: Loved ones can be amazing, but even if they are trying their best they may not be able to understand your emotional process the way a trained professional can. Life experiences, complicated emotions, and turbulent relationships take a careful nuanced approach to help work through. Loved ones can want the best for you and at times miss the mark. Working with a therapist is akin to being with someone who can hold your feelings and help you understand your emotions.

Beginning therapy can be uncomfortable for many reasons. I believe the biggest reason is that you are being vulnerable with a complete stranger! I would say to expect some levels of discomfort because it can feel quite unnatural at first… but give it a chance.

I generally spend time orienting you to therapy while orienting myself to you. I will generally take the lead and gather as much information that is relevant and then let our time together unfold organically.

There is nothing you need to do to prepare other than show up and be yourself. If you find it helpful, you could have in mind some key reasons why you are seeking therapy.

I hold a base value that most people are doing the best they can with what they have. I find that when we work to see our lives and actions through this lens we can be more compassionate towards ourselves and others. In my experience, this also leads to acceptance and a gentler approach. When this naturally occurs in therapy, I appreciate being able to bring this value into session to help clients ease the way they treat themselves. Once we reach the point of accepting things as they are with a sense of compassion towards ourselves, I find that the work towards change is much easier.

Every individual is the expert on their own lives – including their experiences within their various backgrounds and identities. I approach everything in life with a respectful degree of curiosity. I do not make sweeping assumptions and instead will ask questions when needed. I do not shy away from parts of life I do not understand, as I find it to be unhelpful to avoid learning about pieces of you which are so important.