Curiosity rather than judgment
Many patterns that cause problems today began as ways of protecting ourselves. You may have learned to withdraw, stay alert, avoid discomfort, criticize yourself first, please others, or keep difficult emotions at a distance.
Together, we can explore how these patterns developed, what they have been trying to accomplish, and whether they are still serving you.
We do not have to understand everything before change begins
Therapy sometimes helps us identify exactly where a pattern originated. Other times, there may not be one clear explanation. We will make room for understanding your history without becoming stuck searching for a perfect answer.
We will also look at what triggers the pattern now, what it protects you from, what it costs, and what you would like to do differently. The goal is greater choice and emotional flexibility—not only intellectual insight.
The therapy relationship is part of the work
The ways we relate to people outside therapy can sometimes appear within therapy as well. When these patterns emerge, we can use them to better understand how you experience relationships and respond when you feel vulnerable, uncertain, or misunderstood.
Therapy offers an opportunity to notice patterns in real time and practice responding differently within a supportive relationship.
Background and experience
I earned my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland in 2006 and became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2009.
My work focuses on complex trauma, social anxiety, and substance use and recovery. My background includes approximately 19 years working with people affected by substance use, including clinical leadership in addiction-treatment settings.
As a gay therapist and therapist of color, I also bring lived understanding while never assuming that our experiences are identical.
We may be a good fit if…
- My areas of experience align with what you want to address
- You want to understand your patterns without being defined by them
- You appreciate therapy that considers both past experience and present change
- You want collaborative therapy with goals, direction, and room to evolve