“In enduring my own battles with panic attacks, OCD, and eventually perinatal depression, it became a core value of mine to educate and normalize the struggles of others.”
What was your path to becoming a therapist?
Becoming a therapist was always my first career choice. Growing up in a tight-knit community where mental health was not only taboo but demonized, I felt inspired to talk about things people may be ashamed to admit. In enduring my own battles with panic attacks, OCD, and eventually perinatal depression, it became a core value of mine to educate and normalize the struggles of others.
What should someone know about working with you?
Working with me will feel very natural; I go through an intake as I would any conversation. I often use myself and humor to help reduce any anxiety a client may be feeling. I do provide homework from time to time and progress presents itself as insight into patterns as well as a reduction of symptoms. I like working with clients who are equally motivated to put in some work.
What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?
I continue to attend training whenever I can. I am fully certified as a PMHC. I have extensive knowledge in treating OCD but would love to attend more trainings. I enjoy reading about helpful approaches when facing an impasse with a client. I love collaborating with other providers to ensure my clients receive high-quality care.
How do your core values shape your approach to therapy?
I was born into a tight-knit enclave, which made me even more sensitive to the cultural norms and expectations of others. This in turn affects the way I classify symptoms and behaviors that I may unconsciously have bias toward. It allows me to truly understand the perspective of my client and help them reach realistic goals that are possible within their domain.
“I often use myself and humor to help reduce any anxiety a client may be feeling.”