I believe the most important thing I can offer as a counselor is this: genuine care. A mentor once told me, “Nobody cares what you know until they know that you care,” and that has stayed with me throughout my career. It shapes how I show up in every session, with authenticity, presence, and respect for your experience.
I’ve spent over 30 years collaborating with people from all walks of life, and what continues to fuel my passion is seeing individuals grow, develop, and begin to understand themselves in new ways. I genuinely believe that your experiences are real, meaningful, and valid, regardless of whether others fully understand them. My role is to meet you where you are and help you make sense of what you’re going through in a way that feels honest and useful.
My counseling style is best described as authentic and collaborative. I’m not here to lecture or deliver something that feels scripted. Instead, I create a space where you can be fully yourself. I will listen, sometimes in silence, ask thoughtful questions, and offer encouragement. I will also be direct with you when needed because growth often requires honesty. Together, we’ll work at a pace that makes sense for you.
In our work together, you can expect a space where you feel safe to explore what’s really going on, whether that’s anger, fear, sadness, frustration, life transitions, or simply trying to figure out your next step. I don’t believe in forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I draw from a variety of methods, Gestalt, CBT, Person-Centered, Solution-Focused, Transactional Analysis, and others, to help you find what works best for you.
One of my strengths is being able to hear not just what you say, but what might be underneath it. I’ll reflect things back to you in a way that helps you feel understood, while also helping you see yourself more clearly. I use humor when it fits, honesty when it’s needed, and understanding throughout the process.
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with people of all ages, and I genuinely value the different perspectives each person brings. I don’t believe I’m “the right fit” for everyone, and that’s okay, but I do know that when the connection is right, meaningful change happens. Outside of the therapy room, I’m deeply committed to teaching, mentoring, and continuing to grow in this field. I remain a lifelong learner, always willing to seek out new knowledge to better serve the people I work with.
At the core of everything I do is a simple but powerful goal: to leave this profession, and every space I enter, better than I found it. That means providing care that matters, building relationships that are real, and helping people move forward in ways that feel meaningful to them.
Education & Training
- Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Charleston Southern University
- Master’s Degree clinical counseling, Webster University
- Doctor of Philosophy in general psychology, Capella University