what to expect WITH ME AS YOUR THERAPIST
My therapeutic style is warm and welcoming, collaborative and flexible, expert yet open-minded. In sessions, I am active and involved, working alongside you to help you accomplish your goals.
There are two major themes supported by research that shape what you will get in therapy with me:
The most effective therapy occurs within an authentic relationship. Authentic relationship means sharing your pain but also humor, talking about what is wrong but also talking about strengths, and doing the work together. A strong relationship allows you to say what you really need to say, to try new things in a safe environment, and to help make the hard work of change more enjoyable. In the course of working together, my clients and I often find that we’ve formed a meaningful and mutually enriching connection, and I am always honored to process that special relationship at the end of working with someone.
Specifics matter. Thoughtful assessment and a science-supported treatment approach are critical for helping people change, and I continuously work to stay grounded in evidence — both generally and with respect to how I think about you and your situation. That commitment to evidence equips me with a variety of strong tools, but it also means I am comfortable saying, “I don’t know… Let’s find out!” Misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments can waste important time and resources and can even cause harm — so we’ll be careful to start with a solid foundation and check in periodically to make sure we’re on the right track as we go. And when your situation involves one or more of my specific areas of expertise, I’ll be drawing from that knowledge and experience as well.
Therapeutic APPROACH
My approach is integrative of cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches, and I draw from different therapeutic techniques depending on the treatment needs and stylistic preferences of the client. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is essential for change and never lose sight of that fact as we work together. To support the relationship, I am actively open to feedback, and I regularly provide easy opportunities for letting me know what works well and what could be better.
For most issues, I am also flexible with respect to the level of structure we employ. Some people benefit from workbooks and homework and others strongly prefer a more fluid and relational style with less structure. We will take the approach that fits your personality and your situation.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
I earned my PhD in Counseling Psychology from Georgia State University in 2021, and before that, I completed a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling in 2014, also at GSU. I have 13+ years of experience providing mental health services to adults and adolescents in the Atlanta area. My training including supervised experience at multiple college and university counseling centers including Georgia Tech, Oglethorpe University, and a year-long APA-accredited internship at the Georgia State University Counseling and Testing Center. I also trained at Georgia Pediatric Psychology, at Skyland Trail (one of the nation’s top mental health treatment centers), and in private practice settings, including my postdoctoral fellowship under Dr. Drew Adelman.
Across these settings, I have worked with individuals of diverse identities and backgrounds on a wide range of presenting concerns, from everyday stressors and life adjustments to severe and persistent mental health difficulties. My training has also included a variety of treatment modalities including formal assessment, brief and long-term individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, and consultation.
I am a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Georgia - #PSY900300.
