I approach clients with a trauma-informed/client-centered lens and use creative therapies such
as play therapy to work through their presenting concerns. I truly enjoy using strengths-based
practices in my work as well as I believe doing that work is directly related to why and how
clients change. I offer individual therapy in-person and via telehealth in Gainesville, FL. I have
completed most of my training working with children and adolescents, but am willing to work
with clients of all ages. My goal is to simply make clients feel like they have someone in their
corner unconditionally.

What treatment areas do you specialize in?

I am specialized in working with a range of concerns, I am most experienced with emotional and
behavioral concerns related to trauma. Other areas of focus include anxiety, depression, stress,
and difficulties regulating emotions. I am also skilled in working with clients who struggle with
low self-esteem, identity development, and life transitions.

Why did you choose to become a therapist?

There are many reasons why I became a therapist, however, the most important one is that I
want to be the person that I wish I had while growing up. In relation, I want clients to see
therapists that look similar to them, can speak the same language as them. I also wanted to
become a therapist to do some personal healing and be able to help the younger generations of
my family.

What can a client expect to experience in session with you?

A client can expect me to be empathetic, honest, curious, non-judgmental, and creative/playful. I
am collaborative with clients in which decisions are made together, and the goal is to empower
them to a place where they can confidently make decisions on their own. I find it hard to sit still
or focus on my thoughts sometimes, and I believe using expressive therapies is an effective tool
during counseling. Expressive therapies can be very rewarding and often surprises clients. With
that being said, clients can expect to work on their goals and be their truest self while also
enjoying their time doing so. This includes play therapy which I believe can be beneficial for ALL
AGES. I yearn to make clients feel my office is their safe space.

What treatment tools and modalities do you use in your practice?

My therapeutic approach is grounded in person-centered therapy. I prioritize empathy,
authenticity, and creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel seen and heard.
I integrate a trauma-informed lens, acknowledging clients lived experiences and how they
influence daily functioning in terms of safety, autonomy, and other aspects of life. Within
sessions, I often use expressive art therapies to encourage clients to explore and learn to better
regulate their emotions. Expressive arts therapies exposes clients to different mediums if talk
therapy is difficult for them. Using these approaches provides me the opportunity to meet clients
where they are, and offer holistic healing and growth.

How do issues of identity, equity, and justice influence your role as a therapist?

A client’s identity such as gender, race, sexuality, and many others affect how they engage and
experience the world, therefore, it affects therapy as well. For me it is important to be inclusive
and culturally responsive, and be self-aware of my biases at the same time. Equity involves
recognizing that each client will come in with their own unique needs and levels of access to
care. It is my job to be able to adapt to these different needs and minimize the amounts of
barriers they face when seeking counseling. Social justice means advocating for equitable
treatment and opportunities for marginalized and oppressed clients. This includes advocating for
them when they are running into systemic challenges or taking the time to understand their
diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

How do you believe change happens?

I believe change cannot happen if the client is not ready yet. However, once they are ready I
believe change happens when clients find what motivates them, build a support system,
become more self-aware, and are able to give themselves grace.

What is your go to coffee order?

I have two. 1- Chai latte with salted cold foam. 2 – Brown sugar espresso with vanilla sweet
cream instead of oatmilk.

What made you want to work at Arise?

Simply put, the people. Who they are and what they stand for inspires me every day, not just as
a therapist, but as a human being. Since there is so much support within the collective, I feel
that allows us to provide that much more support within community.