What drew you to this type of work?

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I was drawn to counseling through a combination of professional experience, personal growth, and a longstanding interest in human behavior, resilience, and meaning. After many years in a high-performance, high-pressure environment, and through navigating my own challenges related to addiction, mental health, and family life, I developed a deep appreciation for how profoundly people can change when they feel understood and supported. Raising a family while working through personal challenges reinforced my desire to use both my clinical training and lived experience to help others. I believe that trust is built not only through knowledge and skill, but through the capacity to genuinely understand struggle, growth, and recovery. Counseling allows me to bring these elements together in service of thoughtful, grounded, and meaningful therapeutic work.

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What do you value most in the therapeutic relationship?

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Honesty and trust are the foundation of effective therapy. Meaningful change occurs when clients feel safe enough to speak openly and honestly, and when the therapeutic relationship is grounded in mutual respect and transparency. I place a strong emphasis on creating an environment where clients can explore difficult thoughts, emotions, and patterns without fear of judgment or dismissal. I view therapy as a collaborative partnership—one that balances empathy and support with clarity, structure, and accountability. While the work is compassionate, it is also purposeful, and I believe growth often requires both understanding and honest reflection.

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What do you want clients to know before their first session?

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Before the first session, I want clients to know that I make a deliberate effort to meet them exactly where they are when they walk into the room. While background information can be helpful, I prioritize forming an in-person, genuine understanding of the individual sitting in front of me—emotionally, relationally, and experientially—without preconceived assumptions or judgment. My goal is to create a space grounded in respect and unconditional positive regard, where clients feel seen as they are, not as a set of symptoms or intake forms. Clients do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. The first sessions are about establishing connection, clarifying concerns, and allowing the work to unfold naturally and collaboratively.

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What types of clients tend to resonate most with your approach?

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Clients who tend to resonate most with my approach are adults who are motivated—or becoming motivated—to make meaningful change and who are open to reflection, feedback, and personal accountability. Many are high-functioning individuals navigating complex emotional, relational, or life-stage challenges. I work best with clients who are willing to engage actively in the therapeutic process. While motivation can be explored and strengthened in therapy, meaningful progress ultimately depends on a client’s willingness to examine patterns, test new behaviors, and reflect honestly on results.

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How do you hope clients feel after working with you over time?

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I hope clients look back on our work together with appreciation for the honesty, fairness, and challenge that characterized the therapeutic process. My goal is for clients to leave therapy feeling confident, capable, and equipped to manage life’s challenges independently, having unlocked a more authentic and capable version of themselves.