What was your path to becoming a therapist?

I knew early on that I wanted to go into the helping profession and I had a desire to pursue psychology. As a woman of a color and a first-generation American with my own personal life challenges both in childhood and adulthood, my empathetic essence is honest and genuine when working with my clients. I believe that this is what has facilitated rapport and trust and supported me in making a positive impact. My experience includes parenting challenges, substance use/addictions, depression, and anxiety. I have experience implementing evidence-based practices, multisystemic therapy in the home, counseling in culturally-sensitive situations, and treating unaccompanied minors presenting with trauma, abuse, and familial challenges.

What should someone know about working with you?

I am currently offering telehealth sessions only; this will not hinder the counseling process and sessions are conducted on a HIPAA-compliant video platform with face-to-face interaction. The intake process is initiated electronically prior to the first session and goals are set collaboratively. In subsequent sessions, I will challenge you and provide honest feedback and observations. Therapy requires openness and a willingness to talk about difficult topics at your own pace. Homework assignments are common and include psychoeducation with worksheets, journaling reflections, and videos. I work well with millennials and those in Generation Y. The feedback I have received is positive and my clients have expressed feeling affirmed and understood.

What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?

As a counselor, I frequently complete clinical training and certifications. This is not only to learn and complete necessary CEUs but to also gain necessary knowledge and skills to utilize in sessions with my clients. Further, I invest in my own personal clinical supervision and consultation to keep myself accountable and professional in my work. As a private practice counselor, I encourage my clients to collaborate with other providers, such as prescribing physicians. I work with physicians as needed to collaborate, communicate, and intervene.