Who, Why and How I Help

Tweens & Teens

I can help your child navigate a range of challenges, including difficulty concentrating, the emotional and behavioral impact of sleep changes, shifts in mood or behavior (becoming quieter, more argumentative, or more withdrawn than usual), persistent sadness that feels unshakable, panic, nervousness, or anxiety that’s hard to manage, as well as thoughts or attempts of suicide or self-harm. They may be struggling with communication or boundaries in social relationships, or you may notice an emotional shift due to academic pressure or family discord. I also have experience working with children in divorced or single-parent households, those with adopted siblings, and families impacted by substance abuse. I see many young LGBTQIA+ people and love supporting them as they explore their identities and navigate the social and emotional complexities of being queer in today’s world.

I’ve worked with children, tweens, and teens in various roles since I was young myself—through volunteering, babysitting, youth ministries, lifeguarding, and teaching swim lessons. I take pride in my ability to connect with young people in a way that bridges the generational gap, allowing us to explore the trials and tribulations of growing up in an era of immense pressure and expectation.

I especially enjoy working with teenagers as they transition into early adulthood, toeing the line between their intense craving for independence and their natural need for deep connection with family and friends. Many of my clients begin seeing me in middle school and continue with me through their college years. Being able to journey with them from childhood into adulthood is one of my greatest joys as a therapist.

Our work together will focus on identifying and strengthening healthy coping skills to support emotional regulation. Having a variety of tools in their coping toolbox is key to long-term success.

Individuals

Experiences I can help you navigate include, but are not limited to: feeling stuck or stagnant in life, struggling to hold or communicate boundaries, experiencing overwhelming emotions unexpectedly, or feeling unsure of how to cope with life's challenges in a healthy way. You may be finding it difficult to concentrate or even get started on tasks, dealing with anxiety or sadness that weaves in and out of your daily life, or struggling with thoughts of or attempts at suicide or self-harm. Other challenges might include work pressure, complicated relationships—whether social, romantic, or familial—or a struggle to see your inherent value. If you find yourself trapped in comparison, judging yourself for your job, your body, or the successes and losses you’ve experienced, I’d love to help you navigate these challenges with compassion and empathy.

We often find that the pressure to "go it alone"—whether from society, family, or even ourselves—becomes too overwhelming to handle by ourselves. Those proverbial “bootstraps” can feel just out of reach.

My goal in individual therapy is not to pull those bootstraps up for you, but to help you find the motivation, strength, and clarity to do it yourself. My personal experience in therapy has taught me a few things: it’s okay to ask for help, I am capable of positive change, and while I may make mistakes along the way, that doesn’t mean I should quit. If you’re ready to take that first step toward healing (or especially if you feel you’re not!), let’s talk and figure it out together.

Like children and teens, adults also need coping skills. Many of us didn’t receive all the necessary tools in our youth, and it can feel like we’re trying to build a house with the wrong tools. I’m here to help guide you toward a more fulfilling relationship with coping skills that work for you—no more hitting nails with a wrench :)

Short-Term Coping Skill-Building Sessions

After more than five years of working with local schools and districts to provide social-emotional learning (SEL) through small groups, classrooms, and one-on-one wellness sessions, I’ve expanded my Mindful Wellness curriculum to offer short-term, skill-building sessions outside of the school setting. These sessions are designed for individuals who want to strengthen their coping skills and emotional regulation but may not need or want traditional long-term therapy.

SEL focuses on developing key life skills—such as emotional awareness, communication, and self-management—rather than processing past experiences in depth. In this setting, we’ll work together to build practical tools for managing challenges in daily life. These sessions are structured, skills-based, and goal-oriented, making them ideal for those looking for targeted support in a specific area.

Available both online and in person, these sessions typically run for 5–10 meetings and focus on topics such as:

  • Self-care and emotional regulation

  • Boundary-setting and assertive communication

  • Mindfulness and stress reduction

  • Managing anxiety, depression, and anger

  • Developing self-compassion and self-acceptance

Together, we’ll deepen your understanding of these areas while strengthening distress tolerance and enhancing both new and existing coping strategies. My goal is to tailor our work to your specific needs, ensuring you leave with practical tools that support your well-being.

If you’re unsure whether short-term skill-building sessions are right for you, feel free to reach out, and we can discuss what best fits your needs!