Welcome

How long have you been practicing?

I have been practicing for 2 years throughout my practicum at St. Edward’s University’s Community Counseling Clinic and the Austin Center for Grief and Loss, where I worked with children navigating death and loss. I then completed my internship at Austin State Hospital, where I provided therapy for individuals with severe mental illness in an inpatient forensic setting. 

 

What licenses do you have?

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A).

 

Do you work with LGBTQ+ clients?

Yes! I work with LGBTQ+ individuals. 

 

Do you provide religious/Christian based therapy?

Although I am not specialized in religious/Christian therapy, I am always happy to include every client’s religion and spirituality into therapy as the client sees fit.

 

Why did you become a therapist?

My path to becoming a therapist began with my deep fascination with the brain and human behavior, which led me to earn my bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. While I loved the scientific side of psychology, I wanted to better understand how people’s emotions and life experiences shaped them, and how I could help. I noticed that many people struggled to find and reach out for help, and I saw firsthand the stigma that kept individuals from seeking mental health care.

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As I began my research, my personal connection to military members drew me to studying trauma, particularly PTSD. My research has focused on identifying the barriers that prevent military members from accessing mental health services and how we can reduce the stigma surrounding treatment. Additionally, I have explored the connection between autoimmune diseases and mental health, examining how chronic illness can impact emotional well-being and quality of life.

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During my graduate program, I gained experience working with grief and loss groups as well as providing individual therapy, but the defining moment for me was my internship at Austin State Hospital. Working in the adult psychiatric unit with individuals facing severe mental illness solidified my passion for this field. My time there reinforced my belief that there is still so much more to learn and discover in mental health, and my goal is to continue my research while helping others along the way.

 

What type of clients are you most excited to work with?

I enjoy working with a wide range of clients, but I am excited to work with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life changes. I also enjoy providing a safe, non-judgmental space for clients who may simply be looking for someone to talk to. I take a relaxed, collaborative approach to therapy, where we work together as equals to explore and understand your experiences.

 

What will our first session look like?

Our first session will be about building trust and a connection together while establishing what it is you are looking to accomplish in therapy.

 

How should I prepare for our first session?

Our first session will be about getting to know each other and determining what it is we are working towards together. Meeting with a new therapist for the first time can be stressful for some people, so preparing questions or having specific things you may want me to know about you might be helpful. However this is not necessary, we will get to know each other regardless! 

 

What will regular therapy sessions look like?

Sessions will look different for each client since everyone is on their own journey, with their own goals. I tailor my sessions to the clients and their needs. If we have a long term goal that we are working towards, I will likely check in with you on how that has been going. But for the most part I like to let the client steer the session where they see fit. I believe in allowing the client to determine what they feel needs to be worked on in session. 

 

How long does your average client work with you for?

Time in therapy will vary depending on the clients needs and goals. Time can range from a few months to a year. 

 

Will you give me homework in between sessions?

​I believe that some clients may benefit from homework, others may not. Everyone is different! If homework were to be assigned it is not meant to be stress inducing and feel like work. Homework may take some getting used to, but its goal is to practice implementing self care at home, outside of session. 

 

What are some things I should know about working with you?

I believe therapy is for everyone, whether you have big goals to tackle or just need a space to talk things through. I love getting to know my clients and creating a space where they feel comfortable being themselves. I take a relaxed approach to therapy because I know that opening up can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! My goal is to provide a space where you can talk, process, and grow at your own pace without pressure or judgment. Therapy should feel like a conversation, not a chore. I believe that being able to provide this for someone to allow them to process their feelings and emotions is a privilege, and I love getting to be a part of each client's journey to a better self understanding.