I am a graduate intern therapist based in Gainesville Florida who provides individual counseling services for adults. My approach to therapy is rooted in relational and narrative perspectives. I believe that even though we may not always control what we experience in life, we can still find power in the stories we internalize from these experiences. The right therapeutic fit is one that allows you as the client to feel the safety needed to begin examining what stories you are telling yourself that no longer feel helpful or true. I have worked professionally as a victim advocate for survivors of interpersonal violence over the last four years. From that experience I have developed a strong trauma-informed and empowerment based framework with which I work to build safety in the therapeutic space for all clients. My areas of interest include helping clients navigate life transitions, process difficult interpersonal experiences, and heal their relationship to self.

What treatment areas do you specialize in?

My areas of interest include supporting people who are navigating the lasting impact of experiences involving boundaries, trust, relationships, sexuality, or feeling disconnected from themselves or their bodies. Sometimes these experiences are clearly recognized as traumatic, while other times it can take time to understand how past experiences may be affecting the present. I strive to create a space where clients can explore these experiences at their own pace, without pressure to label or define them before they are ready.

I am also developing a particular interest in dissociation and parts work. I approach these experiences with curiosity and compassion, recognizing that different parts of ourselves can develop for meaningful reasons and may have played important roles in helping us navigate difficult experiences. As I continue growing as a therapist, I am also open to learning alongside my clients and expanding my areas of practice. I believe therapy is an ongoing process of growth, curiosity, and discovery for both client and therapist.

Why did you choose to become a therapist?

I chose to become a therapist because I believe people deserve to have a space where they can talk about difficult experiences without being defined by them. Too often, conversations around trauma and recovery can unintentionally focus on what happened to someone rather than the ways they can reclaim their voice, agency, identity, relationships, and sense of self. I wanted to be part of creating a different kind of therapeutic experience, one that feels empowering, collaborative, and centered on the whole person rather than their pain.

I also genuinely love the opportunity to connect with people, hear their stories, and grow alongside them. And, to be completely honest, I was pretty excited about finding a career where I could help others and avoid wearing uncomfortable pants to work every day.

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

Clients can expect a trauma-informed, collaborative space where they are not expected to fit into a predetermined version of what therapy “should” look like. I want therapy to feel comfortable, genuine, and relatable, and I’m willing to meet you where you are. Whether that means adjusting the pace, finding the right language, or figuring out together what helps you feel most at ease.

I also believe that compassion and challenge can exist together. I won’t simply agree with everything you say if I notice beliefs or patterns that may be keeping you stuck, but I’ll approach those moments with curiosity and care rather than judgment. My goal is to help you feel supported while also creating space to question the stories, beliefs, and patterns that may no longer be serving you.

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

My approach is grounded in humanistic and relational perspectives, with an emphasis on creating a therapeutic relationship where you can feel seen, heard, and accepted as your whole self. I draw from relational psychodynamic therapy to explore how past experiences, relationships, and patterns may shape the way we experience ourselves and connect with others in the present.

I also incorporate parts work and narrative therapy to help clients better understand the different parts of themselves and the stories they have developed about who they are. Rather than viewing these parts or stories as something that needs to be “fixed,” we can approach them with curiosity and compassion and explore whether they still fit the person you are becoming. My approach is collaborative and flexible, allowing the work to evolve based on what feels most meaningful and helpful for each individual.

How do issues of Identity, Equity, and Justice influence your role as therapist?

I believe every person deserves the opportunity to define themselves rather than have their identity, experiences, or needs defined for them. As a therapist, I try to remain curious about how clients understand themselves and their experiences, while recognizing that I can never fully know someone’s identity or lived experience for them. My role is to listen, learn, and create space for clients to tell their own stories in ways that feel authentic to them.

I also recognize that there is an inherent power difference in the counseling relationship. As the therapist, I hold a position of professional authority, and that can influence how safe a client feels speaking openly or challenging me. I try to be intentional about acknowledging that power rather than pretending it doesn’t exist. I want therapy to feel collaborative and transparent, where clients have a voice in the direction of their work and are encouraged to question, disagree, and bring their full selves into the room.

How do you believe change happens?

I believe change happens when we feel safe enough to be challenged. When we have a relationship where we feel genuinely seen, supported, and accepted, we can begin to look more honestly at the patterns and beliefs that may be keeping us stuck. From that safety, growth and change can emerge, not because we are forced to change, but because we have the space and support to discover what might be possible.

I also believe there is space for both the light and  heavy in the therapy room. I want to embrace the moments that make us laugh, use humor to build genuine connection, and still make room for the difficult, complicated, and painful things that brought you to therapy in the first place. Therapy doesn’t have to be serious all the time for us to take your experiences seriously.

What is your go to coffee order?

While I hate to be a cliche, at the end of the day I am a queer woman in my late twenties and some stereotypes might have a bit of credence. I want my coffee iced, with oatmilk, and in hand while I plunder the nearest thrift store. I will let you in on one small secret though, caffeine makes me incredibly anxious so if you ever see me sporting a little Coffee Culture latte just know that its decaf and I am being performative.

What made you want to work at Arise?

I was drawn to Arise Wellness because of how closely its values align with the way I want to practice therapy. I appreciate the emphasis on creating a collaborative, non-hierarchical relationship with clients where we can work together as partners rather than placing the therapist in the role of the person who has all the answers. I wanted to be part of a practice that values authenticity, curiosity, and meeting people where they are.

By that same token, I was  excited by the opportunity to work alongside a diverse group of therapists who bring different perspectives, experiences, and areas of expertise to the table. Though I am still new to the profession, I see myself as a lifelong learner and can’t imagine a day where I won’t hold the same desire to grow and learn that I do now. Arise embodies those ideals and is, in my mind, the best place for me to be the sort of therapist that I would want for myself as a client.