Therapeutic Style: I believe meaningful change begins when we feel understood, valued and seen for who we are. My approach is collaborative, grounded in curiosity and cultural humility. Rather than coming in with a predetermined agenda for who you should be, I invite thoughtful exploration of who you already are, what is important to you and what is getting in the way of living with greater clarity and authenticity.
People do not exist in vacuums. We are shaped by a web of relationships, family dynamics and life experiences that often influence us in ways we don’t always see. That’s why I root my work in Bowen Family Systems Theory, focusing on differentiation of self: the ability to hold onto your values and sense of self while remaining connected to others, even under pressure or in the midst of strong emotion. My goal is to help students understand their internal and relational patterns well enough to respond to life’s challenges rather than simply reacting to them. When it aligns with a student’s goals and needs, I’ll also draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to build practical skills. Ultimately, I strive to create a space where students feel safe to be honest, gently challenged and supported as they build a stronger, steadier sense of who they are.
Professional Interests: I enjoy working with students navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, identity development, life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, conflict, and leadership and performance pressure. Life rarely moves in a straight line, and neither do our emotions. Two things can be true at once, and there’s room for that complexity in the counseling room. Together, we’ll explore the experiences, relationships and patterns that have shaped you while developing practical ways to navigate the challenges you’re facing today.
Educational Background: I earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Rutgers University, a certificate in the Psychology of Leadership from Cornell University, a Master of Arts in education and human development from George Washington University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business and a Master of Arts in clinical psychology from Alliant University’s California School of Professional Psychology, where I am currently completing my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). Before joining the Barnes Center at The Arch, I provided individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy in inpatient psychiatric hospitals and community mental health settings.