My Perspective
I work primarily with teen boys, young adults, and men who are trying to make sense of what they’re feeling, how they’re reacting, and where they want to be headed. Many of the people I work with are doing their best to get through day to day, while internally feeling tense, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer feel workable.
A belief that guides my work is that paying closer attention to our emotions, relationships, and patterns creates more freedom to act in ways that feel grounded, genuine, and aligned with what matters most—especially when direction feels unclear. This belief has been shaped by both my clinical training and my own life experience, including periods that required slowing down, reflecting more carefully, and learning how change actually takes place.
Through my own life and clinical work, I’ve learned the relief that comes from not needing to have the answers, and from approaching experience with curiosity rather than self-judgment. I’ve learned how calming and grounding trusting relationships can be, and how meaningful it is to be alongside others in vulnerable or uncertain moments. These experiences shape how I work—with patience, care, and respect for what can unfold when someone feels safe enough to slow down and reflect.
My Clinical Experience
I’ve supported others on their mental health journeys in a variety of settings, including a restorative justice program, a community clinic, a mobile mental health crisis team, and private practice. As a mobile crisis clinician, I went where I was needed—often in the midst of profoundly challenging mental health and life circumstances. This work trained me to move decisively when support is needed.
Longer-term therapy has cultivated a complementary capacity for a methodical and patient presence. Together, these experiences inform how I work with both adolescents and adults—allowing me to remain steady in moments of intensity while also making space for slower, deeper work over time.
What It’s Like to Work Together
In our work together, you may encounter thoughts, feelings, memories, and insights that are challenging, relieving, and at times unexpected. My role is to be alongside you as these experiences take shape, helping you tend to them and make sense of what they offer.
My therapeutic presence is gentle and warm, clear and direct. On a collaborative foundation of trust, honesty, and care, we can work toward greater clarity, steadiness, and a sense of forward movement.
What to Expect in Therapy
Therapy begins with me listening carefully and learning from you. In our early sessions, we’ll take time to understand what feels important to you—your strengths, tendencies, values, and relationships—as well as what’s been difficult or unclear. As you share what brings you to therapy, we’ll find a pace that works for you. While there may be moments when we move more quickly, we’ll also slow down when needed to make sure you feel supported as the work unfolds.
An important part of this work is helping you stay connected to your internal experience as we go. Therapy can involve vulnerability, but that doesn’t mean trust or openness should be rushed. I view emotional safety as essential, and I don’t expect comfort or trust to be automatic. We’ll take the time needed to build a working relationship that feels respectful and steady.
As we find our rhythm, a few things will be happening at once. You’ll have space to share what brought you to therapy and no longer carry it alone. I’ll help you notice and make sense of what’s coming up—emotionally, relationally, and internally—and we’ll begin to identify patterns in how you think, feel, and respond. Together, we’ll look for deeper meaning in your experiences, including earlier ways of coping or understanding yourself that may no longer be serving you.
I believe meaningful change happens when new understanding is paired with new emotional experience. For that reason, we’ll often slow down to reflect on what you’re noticing in the moment—both in what you’re sharing and in how it’s affecting you as we talk. I think of this as working with two layers at once: the story of your experience, and what it brings up for you in real time. Over time, this process can lead to greater clarity, flexibility, and a stronger sense of direction.
Education
Sonoma State University - M.A. Community Mental Health Counseling - 2023
Humboldt State University - B.A. Psychology
2019
Credentials
Register Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) #144732
Trainings & Certifications
AEDP Level 1
Motivational Interviewing - Foundational
M-TAC - Crisis Assessment Training, Collaborative Safety Planning, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Crisis Safety Planning, Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Strategies, Suicide Screening and Prevention.
