“While I may draw on psychodynamic and evidenced-based methods, I am well aware that people come first.”
What was your path to becoming a therapist?
All roads led to this! After doing some rethinking in college, I knew social work was the right path for me so I made the switch. I emphasized in marriage and family therapy, started my career in mental health, and years later, I'm focusing on our communities. We cannot continue to suffer simply because it's what we've known for so long. We have a right to safety. We NEED to be vulnerable but we cannot do that in spaces that are designed to be dangerous. The belief that therapy can and should be decolonized created the path forward to my practice, Melanated Counseling. Your melanin matters!
What should someone know about working with you?
While I may draw on psychodynamic and evidenced-based methods, I am well aware that people come first. My approach depends on what your needs are but we'll need to establish a relationship before anything else. The focus of our relationship is you and your goals. We will have hard conversations about uncomfortable topics and I may challenge you but most importantly, I am here to support you while creating a safe space for you to engage in the process of healing. If you’ve found that in a therapist, you’re well on your way.
What is your intake process like?
I like to start with a phone call. During this call, you'll have the opportunity to chat with me about what brings you to therapy as well as what you're hoping to find in your therapist. You're looking for the right fit so it's perfectly okay to ask me questions as well in order to make the right decision for you. If we're a good match, I'll get you set up for an initial video session. You'll have had a chance to choose me. Now, the work can begin for you to choose you.
“My approach depends on what your needs are but we'll need to establish a relationship before anything else.”