DBT is among the most effective, evidence-based interventions for addressing mood disorders, self-harming behaviors, Borderline Personality Disorder, and emotional dysregulation. As a DBT-trained clinician, I integrate the four fundamental skill pillars—mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance—into the core of my therapeutic practice with both individual clients and adolescents

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most extensively researched and evidence-based approaches to psychotherapy. It helps individuals recognize the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, identify unhelpful thinking patterns, and develop more balanced, realistic, and effective ways of responding to life's challenges.

Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor CBT to each individual's unique experiences, strengths, goals, and stage of life. Whether working with pre-teens, adolescents, or adults, treatment is collaborative, practical, and designed to provide skills that support meaningful, lasting change both inside and outside of the therapy room.

Trauma-informed care is a central part of my clinical approach. I support individuals navigating the lasting effects of trauma, including childhood adversity, interpersonal trauma, post-traumatic stress, and the impact of systemic and environmental stressors that can influence emotional well-being.

At Mental Wellness University, I believe understanding how trauma affects the brain, body, emotions, relationships, and daily life is an important part of the healing process. Together, we'll explore not only what happened, but how those experiences may continue to influence the way you think, feel, and respond today.

Treatment is individualized and may integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness-based interventions, and psychoeducation to support meaningful, lasting healing.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, evidence-based approach that helps individuals explore uncertainty, strengthen motivation, and build confidence as they work toward meaningful change. Rather than telling clients what they should do, MI creates a supportive space where they can discover their own reasons for change and move forward at a pace that feels realistic and sustainable.

I often incorporate Motivational Interviewing with individuals navigating life transitions, behavior change, substance use concerns, health-related goals, and other situations where feeling "stuck" or uncertain can make change feel difficult. Together, we identify your strengths, explore barriers, and build on your own motivation to create lasting progress.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is an evidence-based, strengths-based approach that helps individuals identify what's already working, build on their existing strengths, and develop practical solutions for moving toward their goals. Rather than focusing solely on problems, SFBT encourages clients to recognize their resilience, discover new possibilities, and create meaningful, achievable change.

I incorporate Solution-Focused Brief Therapy when it aligns with a client's needs, goals, and stage of change. This collaborative approach helps individuals clarify what they want their future to look like, identify the strengths they already possess, and take realistic, intentional steps toward lasting progress.

I approach every client from a strengths-based perspective—the belief that every individual possesses unique strengths, resilience, and personal resources that can serve as the foundation for healing and growth. Even during life's most difficult seasons, those strengths are often still present, waiting to be recognized, developed, and strengthened.

A strengths-based approach focuses on identifying what is already working, building upon existing abilities, and empowering individuals to use their own values, experiences, and capabilities to navigate life's challenges. Rather than defining people by a diagnosis or their struggles, I believe therapy should help individuals recognize their potential while developing the knowledge, insight, and practical skills needed to create meaningful, lasting change.

Mindfulness is thoughtfully integrated throughout my clinical approach, particularly within Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and other evidence-based interventions. Mindfulness helps individuals develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and experiences without immediately reacting to them or becoming overwhelmed by them.

At Mental Wellness University, I believe mindfulness is more than a relaxation technique—it is a skill that creates space between an experience and a response. As clients strengthen this awareness, they often become better equipped to make intentional choices, regulate emotions more effectively, and respond to life's challenges with greater clarity and self-compassion. This foundation supports meaningful growth across every aspect of the therapeutic process.

Family systems principles are thoughtfully integrated throughout my work with individuals, adolescents, and families. Rather than viewing one person as "the problem," this approach recognizes that every relationship exists within a larger system where patterns of communication, family dynamics, life experiences, and roles influence one another.

I help families and individuals better understand the patterns that contribute to relationship conflict, parenting challenges, adolescent behavioral concerns, and the lasting effects of intergenerational trauma. By increasing awareness of how these dynamics develop and are maintained, families can strengthen communication, build healthier relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change together.

At Mental Wellness University, I believe therapy is also an opportunity for education. As families gain a deeper understanding of one another's experiences, emotions, developmental needs, and communication styles, they are often better equipped to respond with empathy, strengthen connection, and navigate challenges with greater confidence and intention.

For clients who desire to integrate their Faith into the therapeutic process, I offer Faith-Integrated counseling that honors faith as an important part of healing and personal growth. This approach thoughtfully integrates Christian biblical principles, while honoring others beliefs, with evidence-based clinical care. Our aim is to allow spiritual beliefs to be welcomed into the same conversation.

While faith is designed to complement evidence-based psychotherapy— it is gently reminded that it is not used to replace it.

I take an eclectic, integrative approach to therapy, thoughtfully combining evidence-based treatment modalities to meet the unique needs of each individual, couple, and family I serve. Because no two people share the same experiences, strengths, or goals, I believe treatment should never be one-size-fits-all.

Rather than asking clients to fit a particular therapeutic model, I tailor my approach to fit the person. By integrating evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), trauma-informed care, family systems principles, mindfulness, strengths-based therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), I develop individualized treatment plans that support meaningful, lasting change.

At Mental Wellness University, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Inc., I believe therapy is also an opportunity for education. Every therapeutic approach is simply a tool; the person sitting in front of me is always the priority. My goal is to select the interventions that best support your unique journey while helping you develop the insight, knowledge, and practical skills to continue growing long after therapy has ended.