Hello and thank you for taking this first step . I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience as a therapist and nearly 20 years of experience as a social worker. I have spent time working with a variety of populations throughout my career. I have provided mental health treatment to a vast array of clients from all different walks of life. I love this aspect of being a therapist because it has allowed me to gain perspective and understanding of so many different cultures and lifestyles. I am calm and empathetic, I believe in therapy and the power it has to help a client actualize their best self possible. Therapy is a journey that will help you explore the feelings you are having and maybe even figure out where they came from. Our feelings can be so hard to understand that we often just “deal with it”. While that may provide some temporary relief, it does not give you any sense of direction. It’s important to understand that your feelings are important, meaningful, and valid. They are your feelings and you are entitled to them without judgement from others. You can even feel them without feeling bad about feeling bad! Believe it or not, its ok to not be ok. I think it is helpful to think of therapy in terms of the old cliché about leading a horse to water but being unable to make the horse drink. This therapeutic relationship is ours to build. I can get you to the water, but when you get there, if you don’t want to drink, you won’t drink. Let’s work together to see if “taking a drink” of some new ideas and perspectives could help you feel more equipped to function in a place of strength and confidence. It seems overwhelming, but you’re not alone with your thoughts anymore. We can do this!