less of a choice and more like a destination I was bound to. I come from a region where the resources to address issues of emotional, relational, and behavioral health were limited. This led to me witnessing many around me struggling to discover and develop the skills needed to flourish both emotionally and in the ways they communicate and connect with others. I often watched as the consequences of not having access to this information or healthy tools led people to develop mental health concerns, harmful substance use patterns, or unhealthy relationships that caused them lots of pain. 

Secure relationships are a basic human need. From the work of Sue Johnson (founder of Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples) to that of Abraham Maslow (the "Maslow's Hierarchy" guy), we can't escape how central our bonds with others are. Studies show that our attachments to others can be predictors of our abilities to self-regulate, engage in effective cognitive processing, function meaningfully both socially and occupationally, and tolerate stress. Combined with the ways our relationships have been scientifically shown to impact mental and physical health outcomes, how could we miss the importance of this one aspect of our lives? Yet too often, many of us are deprived from emotional health and relational security. 

This can change, though. Interpersonal Neurobiology shows that our brains grow throughout our lifespan, and that the impacts of our experiences are NOT irreversible. We don't have to sit in the back seat, while our attachment wounds control how our lives unfold. Life can be so scary, isolating and sometimes daunting. I get it - said best by the infamous Taylor Swift - all too well! Yet, how cool is it that we know we can reshape the way we think and how we connect to our mind, body, and relationships?! 

In our sessions together, you can increase your emotional regulation abilities, break down walls of anxiety and depression, learn how to communicate and connect effectively, and create a positive cognitive framework for yourself and your relationships. These steps can mean real change that leads to healing from attachment wounds and traumatic experiences, renewed confidence when life forces you to adjust, or the strength you need to have that conversation or maybe set those long overdue boundaries. 

My job is to support you in increasing your overall quality of life and the relationships in it. I tailor a warm, hopeful, evidenced-based, humor-infused, relational approach to therapy. I rely on modalities such as Person-Centered Therapy, Attachment Based Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These complimentary approaches help my clients embrace and create their most authentic selves and best relationships! 

I am passionate about helping clients who wish to be free from the pain of past experiences or learned behaviors, and create something new. 

Outside of work, you will find me supporting my two very-loved fur-children's extravagant lifestyles. I love any activity that includes warm weather and sunshine. I enjoy spending time with my support system and catching up on the latest episode of the Bachelor! I appreciate learning about human development and cultural experiences, and hope to eventually obtain a PhD.