When I first started therapy as a client, I was really nervous. I knew the therapist was experienced, but I was still worried about how it would go. Even when the session started, I couldn’t shake off the nervousness because they seemed so serious. They didn’t smile or acknowledge my awkwardness, which made me feel even more uneasy.

That experience really shaped what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to create a warm, comforting, and very human space for my clients. A place where they’d feel at ease from the very first session. Therapy already faces challenges like stigma and fear, so my goal is to make it simpler and more approachable.

What makes this work so rewarding is knowing I can help create space for meaningful change. Every day, I learn from my clients-their resilience, clarity, grit, and self-acceptance constantly remind me of the beauty and strength in everyday human experiences. I also love how open and inclusive the therapeutic space is. It embraces new ideas, different perspectives, and all the learning I’ve gathered over time-whether through formal training or just life. It’s a space where both the client and therapist can grow, evolve, and show up as their real, authentic selves.

At the end of our first session, my hope is that you leave feeling heard, understood, and held in a space that feels safe. I know it can take time to build the kind of relationship where you feel comfortable showing up fully as yourself, but I see that first session as the beginning of that foundation-one built on trust, respect, and openness. I also hope you walk away with a clearer sense of what therapy might look like, what you can expect from me, and most importantly, a quiet sense of hope that this process can support you in reaching your personal goals.

If you’re considering counseling, know that it’s a courageous step toward self-care and a sign of strength, not weakness. In therapy, you have the right to feel safe, respected, and heard. It’s a collaborative space where we can explore your experiences, and you’re encouraged to ask questions and share feedback at any time.

Counseling is often linked to mental health issues, but it’s really an act of self-compassion and a commitment to your well-being. If you feel a need to enhance your overall health through counseling, that instinct deserves to be honored. The process is subjective and experiential, and I encourage you to pay attention to your gut feeling.

I strive to build an equal, respectful, and honest relationship with my clients from the start. I usually begin sessions by checking in on their day or week, creating a comfortable space for sharing. Instead of dictating, I facilitate a collaborative process where we explore their experiences together. This empowers them to align their lives with their values and goals, recognizing they are the true experts of their own lives. We’ll work through challenges together, building on their strengths and abilities to move forward.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that it’s okay not to have the right words. Some of the most meaningful moments in therapy have come from just being present with someone in their silence or confusion, rather than trying to say the perfect thing. My clients have taught me that healing often happens in small, quiet ways, and that slowness isn’t failure. I’ve also come to see how much the body holds onto emotions and memories we’re not even aware of-and how therapy can gently bring those to light. More than anything, I’ve realized that growth is ongoing, often subtle, and full of surprises-for both my clients and me.

I really value my ability to build strong, trusting relationships. Picking up on non-verbal cues and body language-even in online sessions-has been a big strength, and I’m often surprised by how attuned I am to what a client’s body is communicating. I also take pride in my ability to create a warm, safe space where people feel comfortable being themselves. At the same time, I’m committed to staying open and curious-always learning, whether it’s through formal training, lived experiences, or what my clients teach me. As long as I’m practicing (and hopefully even beyond), I want to keep growing in every way I can.

I absolutely love art in all forms, currently I am hooked to “grandma hobbies” like embroidery, crochet, punch needling and textured painting, it calms me down and the end result makes me very happy, I often give them away to my friends and family as gifts. I also love Yoga, gardening and reading books.

When it comes to mental health, we all tend to operate across three main areas-our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors-but each of us leans into these in different ways. Some people are more action-oriented and respond to challenges by doing, while others are more emotionally driven, making sense of the world based on how they feel. In the early sessions, I like to get a sense of where the client naturally sits along this spectrum, and then tailor the approach to fit their needs. My work is grounded in a trauma-informed perspective, as I am extensively trained in trauma-focused therapy. I focus on creating a supportive, collaborative space where clients can explore how their past experiences and relationships have shaped them, begin to process those experiences, and slowly rebuild with healthier coping tools and a stronger sense of regulation and safety.

My journey has transitioned from merely understanding the queer community intellectually to empathizing on an emotional level. This transformation was made possible by consistently engaging with their lived experiences through authentic narratives. I believe, that when the clients sense that a therapist genuinely cares about their well-being through both intentions and actions, it creates a safe and affirming environment for them.