choosing a therapist can feel like starting a puzzle: you want the ‘big picture’ ahead and an idea of the pieces involved.
I'm not a "blank slate" and I don't have a therapist 'persona’ (insert eye roll). I try to bring authenticity to our work because I hope you’ll do the same. This means that I will genuinely care about you and work hard to understand your world with curiosity and care - not judgment. I want to prioritize getting it right over needing to be “right.” I will offer a keen eye for patterns, compassion when challenging you, and wholehearted advocacy for your wellbeing. My hope for you is to leave each session feeling that this is a transformative way to spend your time.
experience
As an Austin-native, I feel a deep connection to this community.
+ I've served as therapist and advocate for populations with neurodiversity.
+ I've conducted research to alleviate the experiences of college students with chronic stress.
+ I've supported people experiencing challenges meeting their basic needs and managing mental health concerns.
+ I've worked with clients at non-profit community agencies, youth seeking crisis shelter, as well as with groups of public and private students in the greater Austin area.
I deeply value these formative experiences. It has also been my dream and passion to offer services in my own private practice. I've worked hard to create a nurturing, collaborative, and expansive space for my clients. If I woke up tomorrow without financial demands/responsibilities, I would still want to come in and do this work.
training
Master of Arts in Counseling ||
St. Edward's University
dual license track w/ honors:
licensed professional counseling,
licensed marriage & family therapy
Bachelor of Arts ||
Southwestern University
major: psychology || minor: spanish
I've completed advanced training in
+ therapy-informed behavioral research for anxiety, depression, ptsd, and postpartum mood disorders
+ solution-focused therapy
+ systems theory
+ life coaching for adults and teens
+ positive discipline
+ cbt for anxiety
+ mental health first aid
I consider myself a "brain nerd" and lifelong learner. I love finding intersections for learning in community, via tech, and through regular professional development and consultation.
wholehearted human
I come from a tradition of strong southern women who raised me to value the grit and courage involved in living with authenticity, vulnerability, and resilience. I've wanted to be a helper before I even realized that could be a “job.”
I also know what it's like to grapple with doubt, shame, and face-down-in-the-arena struggles along the way. I’m all too familiar with the teeth-gritting that comes with personal growth and know that resourcing, learning, and boundary maintenance are lifelong practices.
Getting outside (even when cranky about the heat) helps me find balance and tap into delight. My husband and kiddos keep me laughing and active. You’ll often find me with an earbud in listening to something (a mix of music, psych, true crime, and a heaping dose of comedy). I am working hard to keep my plants alive and relish a good ‘dad joke.’ I do my best to meet at least one dog every day.