1. Why did you choose to become a counselor?

I was about 7 years old when I fell down and bruised my knee. I remember sitting at the doctors table, really scared of the pain, almost about to cry. That’s when the doctor looked up and asked me to count backwards from 20. As I closed my eyes and finished counting, the doctor informed me that I was all set and could leave. This incident later became a pivotal moment in my life. I became fascinated with the human brain and our bodies and how it "t is designed to heal, to always protect us from pain and suffering. I was astonished by how our brain functioned and how we perceive pain and pleasure.When I took up psychology in undergrad, I was curious about understanding the human mind. Today I enjoy and find passion in my work because I am curious about understanding and being with the human beings that show up to therapy, work hard on themselves, and display immense resilience and strength 

 

1. What does your first session look like?

"I understand therapy as a collaborative process, one where the therapist and client work together to move towards a place of safety and understanding. A relationship that is built on trust and empathy. In the first session, I will gather relevant information from you, explain the process, and make space for your needs from therapy. 

 

1. What do you wish to tell clients seeking therapy for the first time?

It is completely ok to not be ok, and ok to seek help. It may be a scary, vulnerable, and sometimes uncomfortable process to show up to therapy, but just show up every week. It is a slow process, a lot like gardening. Once the seeds are rooted in Earth, a lot of love, care, and nurture goes into helping the plant grow.It is also ok to ask all the questions you may have about therapy to your therapist. It is so important to make an informed choice, for therapy to be a safe space. 

 

1. How do you make the therapeutic space safe and affirmative for queer and trans folx?

My language is inclusive every step of the way, where I make space for the clients personal pronouns, and also state mine. I am constantly educating myself in understanding queer and trans folkx’s concerns. I am mindful of my own privilege in the world and in the therapeutic room, and strive to create a safe, non-judgemental, and compassionate space for the individual to be seen and heard for who they are. 

 

1. What is your therapeutic approach?

My clinical framework is very eclectic. I find myself drawing inspiration from different schools of thoughts and am very open to understanding and learning about the many ways we I can help my clients.I work with clients to not only hold space to narrate their stories, but also understand how the story impacts them in the present and focus on creating a safe space for them to process all these experiences.