I’m a Haitian-American therapist in Gainesville, offering humanistic individual therapy for teens and adults seeking to begin their healing journey. I earned my master’s degree in counseling from the University of Florida in 2023 and have been working in the community since. My warm therapeutic approach is shaped by my experience providing crisis counseling, doing advocacy-based research, and working with survivors of intimate partner violence over the years.

What treatment areas do you specialize in?

 specialize in addressing complex trauma(Racial, LGBTQ+, Identity-based, Generational interpersonal Violence), Identity development and empowerment, and Interpersonal and family dynamics. Whether you’re grappling with personal identity, societal pressures, feeling anxious, wanting to learn to set boundaries, or start healing from generational trauma, I am here to support you in embracing your fullest potential and reclaiming your voice to become a main character in your life story.

Why did you choose to become a therapist?

I like to joke that I became a counselor due to the “butterfly” effect. Throughout the years I’ve seen first hand how mental health impacts so many different aspects of people’s lives and realize how important mental health care is. When we take the time to address our mental well-being the same way we address different aspects of our health, we work towards holistic wellness and growth. Being from a Caribbean background, mental health wasn’t something we talked about, let alone addressed, which is something I hope to change over time. Representation and having accessible culturally competent therapists make the hard choice of moving past the stigma and prioritizing mental health more approachable. As someone who believes mental health care is for everyone and that everyone deserves an identity-affirming space, I’ve been led to contribute to the shift I hope to see.

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

When working with me, you can expect a safe space to bring in all the different parts of your identity. A space where the real version of you is safe to show up without the fear of being judged or having to meet harmful expectations. You can expect me to be warm, curious, and validating.  I’m also known for using artistic metaphors or silly jokes to make abstract concepts more tangible. Throughout the process, I’ll use a collaborative approach as we process concerns using a systematic lens meaning that I value looking at the whole picture to get the most context.

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

I mainly work from a relational cultural therapy foundation that meets you where you are and views you as a co-collaborator in helping you step into your power. Paired with Narrative therapy skills to explore themes and patterns you are looking to rewrite. As needed I’ll also blend in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help reach your goals.

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

Being aware of issues of Identity, Equity, and Justice provides me with the context of the barriers and the nuances you may face as a client. This has led me to learn about accessible community resources to be able to incorporate them in my approach to help create sustainable change. In my work, it’s important to me to honor all the intersecting parts of your identity and recognize you as human first. As well, intentionally working towards naming and challenging systematic harm when it shows up in my counseling work.

How do you believe change happens?

Change happens with time and awareness. It happens the most seamlessly in affirming spaces that provide safety to try doing things differently. When people feel safe, validated, and supported the security that comes with it can lead to examining and breaking cycles that previously made them feel stuck.

What is your go to coffee order?

A lavender latte or a dirty chai latte (both made with oat milk) 

What made you want to work at Arise?

As someone who values community, I knew I wanted a work environment that felt warm and reflected my values. Working alongside colleagues who are similarly committed to offering compassionate evidence-based services in the community was a must.