Growing up within my family and cultural background, mental health simply wasn’t something we talked about or acknowledged openly. Because of that, as I grew older, I found myself completely ill-equipped to deal with my own mental health struggles. That experience sparked a deep turning point for me. I chose to become a therapist because I wanted to provide the safe, open space I wished I had back then… a place where others don’t have to navigate their hardest moments feeling entirely alone. If I had to choose three words to describe myself as a clinician, they would be patient, flexible, and supportive. I believe in meeting you exactly where you are without judgment. As for life outside of the office? Even though I have a deep love for nature, I am very much a homebody at heart. My favorite ways to relax and recharge include diving into a great book or playing games; whether it’s video games, board games, or anything in between. My Therapeutic Approach Therapy is a true collaboration. I want you to be an active partner in your healing process, while I provide the tools, safety, and insight to help you navigate the way forward. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. I am very eclectic and open to adjusting my style to completely fit your unique needs and goals. In my practice, I draw heavily from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you build psychological flexibility. Together, we will work on changing how you respond to “difficult” emotions and pain, so they no longer run the show. I also incorporate a lot of psychoeducation into our sessions. I find that when you understand the science of why your brain and body are reacting a certain way, it demystifies the struggle and empowers you to be more actively engaged in your own growth. Areas of Specialization I work exclusively with individual adults (18+) and bring a diverse clinical background to Stride Forward. A large portion of my experience has been in trauma-based and co-occurring work, and I feel very comfortable treating a wide range of complex diagnoses, including: Trauma & PTSD: Safely processing past experiences and addressing trauma-based responses. Co-Occurring Disorders & Substance Use: Supporting individuals managing both mental health challenges and addiction simultaneously. Anxiety & Depression: Navigating overwhelming stress, panic, and heavy shifts in mood. Personality Disorders & Psychosis: Providing stable, grounding, and specialized long-term care. LGBTQAI+ Affirming I look forward to working with you!