Hey!! Thank you for taking the time to invest in yourself by seeking counseling. Thinking about counseling can be a lot. Even if you only look at my bio, contemplate, and still think “Nah, I’m not ready” or “This is too much”, THAT’S OKAY!! I believe that the counseling process takes time- even with choosing your therapist. That connection is the most important part. I say you have to “date” to find the right counselor for you.

Who you’ll get:. In session, it’s important to know that my job is not to give answers, but rather guide you to find the answers that may have been there already. It’s your journey, not mine! I consider myself to be a “real” counselor which means I am open and honest with my clients and encourage you to do the same with me. So.., what that really means is I do respectfully challenge my clients and play devil’s advocate occasionally to really see what’s going on (is this really them or is this you?). I don’t believe you are looking for someone to just “mmmhmm” or “right” or “tell me how that makes you feel” when you share information (although I may at times!) Instead, we will process the experiences and feelings until we decide we can’t anymore. And the fun part is- I will be there the following week to do it all over again! I value the vulnerability it takes to communicate your inner thoughts with someone. I promise to respect, challenge, and encourage you while you work on investing and trusting your mental process.

Why Counseling?

After talking with friends, family, and reflecting on my past experiences, I realized I love listening and helping others. So, I sought Graduate school for Counseling here in New Orleans, my home, and decided to stay to continue this work here. I have a passion for working with children, adolescents, and individuals struggling with trauma either current or past. However, I am skilled with working with non-trauma related concerns as well. I enjoy seeing clients grow after working with them to increase their understanding of themselves (self-worth and self-esteem), trusting and connecting with others, and other disruptions that contradict your understanding of how things are “supposed” to be or feel. This can look like family, work, or partner problems, or just uncertainty of what to do next in life.

Why Children/Child Parent Relationships?

During my education, I was introduced to play therapy- a counseling technique used to help kids learn and communicate their emotions through play. For those that are parents, aunts/uncles/grandparents, caregivers this may sound crazy! But trying to understand that 4 (or 11) year old who is saying one thing, but it ends up being something totally different while they are screaming can be frustrating. I’ve been there! However, taking the time to play with kids at their level in this skillful way can help expand their emotional vocabulary and communication skills. It also opens the door for vulnerability and provides safety for them to share. I have had children tell or show me past experiences through playing with toys that regular talk therapy for sure wouldn’t have worked. With my first hand knowledge from working at local child Advocacy Centers and my play therapy clients, children need reassurance that they are safe first and can be heard, seen, and cared for. Taking the time to understand their world means a lot to them!