What I enjoy most about working with older adults is how much I learn from them. Their life experiences and wisdom bring so much value to the therapeutic relationship. I love being able to support them and provide new skills and ways of looking at themselves, others and the world while preserving their independence. I love being able to help them improve their quality of life and ultimately access their joy.

I think online therapy works well for older adults in that it makes therapy more accessible. Many older adults may have mobility challenges and online therapy avoids the need to travel to get to their therapy appointment. This creates a more convenient way to get support and can offer more privacy.

It also provides a sense of safety and familiarity which can decrease anxiety. Online therapy can provide the same support and resources that in person therapy does but without the stress of travel and time.

I approach therapy sessions with a client-centered approach. I believe that working together, tailoring skills and techniques to the individual is imperative. I provide a space that is supportive and nurturing while being direct with a gentle push in order to assist the client in successfully reaching their goals. I take the time to get to know and understand the client in order to help restore balance and their quality of life.

My approach to therapy is very eclectic and tailored to the unique needs of the client. I use evidence based treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness-based techniques. I use these evidence based strategies in order to assist the client develop healthier coping skills and foster greater insight in order to reach their goals.

What inspired me to become a psychologist was my interest in understanding human behavior and helping others. As a teen, I was always the one the other kids came to for advice and/or just to have an empathetic ear. Ironically, when I went to college I was a pre-med student determined to become a surgeon.

However, after I took a course in psychology, that all changed. I became a psychology major and changed my career path. A Ph.D. in psychology allowed me to study human behavior via psychological testing and allowed me to listen and help others to experience emotional healing.

Throughout my career, I found myself often working with trauma related issues and subsequently I work from a trauma perspective which has allowed me to help others find inner peace and joy. It's an honor to see my clients grow and heal.

Starting therapy for the first time can be scary, daunting, anxiety producing and exciting all at once. These are normal feelings to have. Many first timers don't know what the first session will look like and have lots of questions. Sometimes making a list of the questions you may have about therapy can be helpful.

Typically the first session is for the clinician to learn as much as he/she can about the client, so there will be lots of questions for the client to answer, which may answer some of your questions and will ultimately help guide the session.

After the initial appointment is complete, the clinician should have a good idea about what the client's issues are and should provide the client with an idea of what treatment may look like based on the client's answers. Usually, the second or third session is when the treatment actually begins.

There is no right or wrong way to do therapy. My advice is to come to therapy open and engaged. Cultivating the therapeutic relationship with your therapist takes time. Trust the process.

I wish people knew that therapy is for anything. It's not just for "trauma/crisis," but for individuals who seek personal growth, support or self actualization. Therapy is a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings while developing new coping skills and establishing insight into oneself. Therapy is unique to the individual and is for anyone who seeks some kind of change and ultimately finding their inner joy.

Starting therapy for the first time can be scary, daunting, anxiety producing and exciting all at once.

A fun fact about me is that I enjoy crafting. I use sublimation to make mugs, hats, t-shirts, blankets and/or anything I can get my hands on. If I'm not crafting, then I'm boxing at the gym, dancing with friends somewhere or traveling with my family.