“I like the therapy process to feel natural and easygoing yet professional at the same time.”
What was your path to becoming a therapist?
I always imagined myself being someone who would make a difference in people’s lives. After my schooling, internships, and some volunteering, my first job in the field was in a substance abuse treatment facility. I moved on from there to fulfill my greatest passion of helping people on the individual level by becoming an outpatient psychotherapist. I believe there is no limit to how great of a therapist you can be, so I am always seeking to learn more. I started with training in CBT, DBT, and ACT. My latest interests are in therapies that work with the mind and body, such as EMDR, IFS, and memory reconsolidation.
What should someone know about working with you?
I like the therapy process to feel natural and easygoing yet professional at the same time. In order to better inform therapy, I am foremost interested in your ideal goals. I like to get a feel of your family background and hear about any significant events that happened to you. I believe everyone has the ability to overcome the past and live a good present. I can teach skills you can use to feel empowered and we can work on resolving any traumatic experiences that may be affecting you today and holding you back from reaching your fullest potential.
What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?
I am someone who is constantly reading books on mental health topics, especially in the field of trauma and anxiety. When I find my clients are dealing with a specific issue, I do my best to read up on that too. In addition, I attend training both online and in person. I also consult with some of the top experts in the field individually and in a group format. I participate in practice sessions with my colleagues (which I find amazingly helpful) where we practice new techniques on each other. This way, I get feedback on what works and I also get a personal experience of what the results feel like.
How do your core values shape your approach to therapy?
I am someone who always felt drawn to make positive changes in my own life and in other people’s lives. I am someone who believes that all people are deserving of respect, patience, and empathy, and I believe all people have the capacity to heal. I really want to see people who have had to go through some very rough times live happy and fulfilling lives. I am a very curious person who always has an interest in personality, psychology, and human behavior.
What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?
I am excited by how developments in the field of neuroscience have been helping clients and clinicians understand the effect psychotherapy has on creating mental wellness. I am also pleased that telehealth is making it much easier for people to attend therapy, especially those who find it hard to travel because of childcare or work obligations.
“I can teach skills you can use to feel empowered and we can work on resolving any traumatic experiences that may be affecting you today and holding you back from reaching your fullest potential.”