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Why I Do This Work
Why I Do This Work
To be human is to experience joy, love, connection, uncertainty, loss, disappointment, and change. Suffering is a natural part of life, yet it can often leave us feeling alone, overwhelmed, or questioning ourselves. I believe we aren't meant to navigate life's most difficult moments in isolation.
The name Hand in Hand Couples & Family Therapy reflects how I think about the therapeutic relationship. Therapy isn't about someone telling you how to live your life or "fixing" what's wrong. It's about walking alongside another person through life's complexities with curiosity, compassion, and respect.
I believe that many of the ways we think, feel, and relate to others make sense when they're understood in the context of our experiences and relationships. Even the patterns that create suffering today often began as ways of adapting to challenges we once faced.
What I find most meaningful about this work is helping people better understand themselves while developing greater acceptance of the realities of being human. Together, we can make sense of painful experiences, discover new ways of responding to life's inevitable challenges, and cultivate relationships—with yourself and with others—that feel more authentic, connected, and fulfilling.
For me, therapy is about more than reducing symptoms. It's about walking hand in hand with people as they navigate life's difficulties, helping them develop the understanding, flexibility, and resilience needed to move forward with greater intention and hope.
My Background
My Background
My path to becoming a therapist has been shaped by a longstanding curiosity about human behavior and relationships. I earned my bachelor's degree in Sociology, where I developed a deep interest in understanding how individuals are influenced by their relationships, communities, and the broader systems in which they live. That curiosity continues to guide my work today.
Before entering private practice, I worked with individuals across a wide range of settings, including developmental disabilities, special education, community mental health, traumatic brain injury, and dementia care. These experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the many ways psychological, neurological, developmental, and social factors shape a person's daily life, relationships, and sense of self.
As a therapist, my professional development has continued to evolve alongside my growing understanding of personality and relationships. While my early training emphasized approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, hypnosis, and Schema Therapy, my work has increasingly become grounded in psychodynamic, attachment, object relations, developmental, and Gestalt theories. Today, my practice is primarily informed by Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) and Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT), which reflect my belief that meaningful change occurs through developing a deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationships.
I remain committed to ongoing study and professional development, continually engaging with current literature and advances in psychotherapy to deepen my understanding and better serve my clients.
What It's Like to Work With Me
What It's Like to Work With Me
I believe the most meaningful therapy happens within a relationship built on trust, curiosity, and collaboration. My role isn't to tell you who you are or what you should do, but to help us better understand your experiences together.
You can expect me to ask thoughtful questions, notice patterns that may otherwise go unnoticed, and encourage us to slow down when something important is happening. Rather than rushing to solutions, I believe lasting change begins by taking the time to understand what your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors may be communicating.
At times, our work may feel challenging. Together, we'll explore experiences that are difficult to face while remaining mindful of your pace and readiness. I believe growth happens when we can stay curious about ourselves, even in moments of uncertainty or discomfort.
Above all, I strive to create a therapeutic relationship where you feel respected, understood, and supported—one in which we can think together about whatever life brings into the room.
Finding the Right Therapist
Finding the Right Therapist
Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and I know that finding the right fit matters. My hope is that this website has given you a sense of not only how I practice, but also the values that guide my work.
If my approach resonates with you, I'd be honored to walk alongside you as we work toward a deeper understanding of yourself, your relationships, and the life you want to create.
If You Are Experiencing a Crisis
If You Are Experiencing a Crisis
Hand in Hand Couples & Family Therapy does not provide emergency crisis services. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, feeling unsafe, or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please reach out for immediate support:
📞 Call 988 – The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7)
📞 Text HOME to 741741 – Crisis Text Line (free, 24/7 support)
🏥 Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
You are not alone. Help is available.
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