what to expect WITH ME AS YOUR THERAPIST
My therapeutic style is warm and welcoming, collaborative and flexible, expert yet open-minded. In sessions, I am active and involved, working alongside you to help you accomplish your goals.
There are two major themes supported by research that shape what you will get in therapy with me:
The most effective therapy occurs within an authentic relationship. Authentic relationship means sharing your pain but also humor, talking about what is wrong but also talking about strengths, and doing the work together. A strong relationship allows you to say what you really need to say, to try new things in a safe environment, and to help make the hard work of change more enjoyable. In the course of working together, my clients and I often find that we’ve formed a meaningful and mutually enriching connection, and I am always honored to process that special relationship at the end of working with someone.
Specifics matter. Accurate assessment and an effective treatment approach are critical for helping people change, and I continuously work to stay grounded in evidence — both generally and with respect to each individual client conceptualization. That commitment to evidence also means I am comfortable saying, “I don’t know, but let’s find out.” Misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments can waste important time and resources and often cause harm, so it is always better that we slow down and reevaluate if that’s what’s needed. You can also read about my specific areas of expertise.
Therapeutic APPROACH
My approach is integrative of cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches, and I draw from different therapeutic techniques depending on the treatment needs and stylistic preferences of the client. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is essential for change and never lose sight of that fact as we work together. To support the relationship, I am actively open to feedback, and I regularly provide easy opportunities for letting me know what works well and what could be better.
For most issues, I am also flexible with respect to the level of structure we employ. Some people benefit from workbooks and homework and others strongly prefer a more fluid and relational style with less structure. We will take the approach that fits your personality and your situation.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
I earned my PhD in Counseling Psychology from Georgia State University in 2021, and before that, I completed a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling in 2014, also at GSU. I have 9+ years of experience providing mental health services to adults and adolescents in the Atlanta area. I had training experiences at multiple college and university counseling centers including Georgia Tech and Oglethorpe University and completed my APA-accredited internship at the Georgia State University Counseling and Testing Center. I also trained at Georgia Pediatric Psychology, at Skyland Trail (one of the nation’s top mental health treatment centers), and have been working under supervision in private practice settings since 2019.
Across these settings, I have worked with individuals of diverse identities and backgrounds on a wide range of presenting concerns, including severe and chronic mental illness. My training has also included a variety of treatment modalities including assessment, individual therapy, couple therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, and brief consultation.
I am currently completing my postdoctoral work experience and am supervised by Dr. Drew Adelman, Licensed Psychologist.
