What brought me to the mental health field is my genuine interest in people and the helping profession. I have had personal experiences with anxiety which was often misunderstood by my peers and family. I was driven to learn how to help myself, but also wanted the ability to help others and provide education to individuals surrounding the importance of mental health. What drew me to specialize in substance abuse, and ultimately clinical mental health counseling, was the dire need for empathy and compassion to break down the stigma surrounding substance use disorders and mental health in general.
My philosophy is that successful mental health counseling requires a safe space that is both accepting and free of judgment. Forming this type of therapeutic relationship enables the client to access painful and challenging thoughts and feelings they may be storing due to distressing events in their lives. It is my goal to help the client navigate their internal experience and advise more adaptive ways for thinking and feeling. I am typically transparent in my therapeutic approach and welcome feedback from clients throughout the therapy process.
Lastly, I am deeply passionate about working with clients struggling with trauma, substance abuse, and individuals interested in exploring and developing curiosity into their internal world. I have worked with clients ranging from all ages, backgrounds, and issues, but typically find more enthusiasm around adult individuals with unresolved childhood trauma. I find it incredibly rewarding to be able to help clients unpack years of trauma, to connect with their inner self, to self-empower and live the life they choose and ultimately to find peace.
