I believe that much of our suffering comes not only from what we experience, but also from how we learn to relate to those experiences. We develop ways of protecting ourselves, navigating relationships, and making sense of the world that often serve an important purpose. Yet sometimes the very patterns that once helped us get through difficult circumstances begin to leave us feeling stuck, disconnected, or at odds with ourselves.

My approach to counseling is grounded in curiosity, compassion, and the belief that meaningful change begins with learning to meet ourselves where we are. I work collaboratively with clients to explore the patterns, experiences, and beliefs that shape how they relate to themselves and others. Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, Buddhist psychology, and contemplative approaches to counseling, I aim to create a space where difficult experiences can be explored without judgment and new possibilities can begin to emerge.

I am particularly interested in the relationship between self-criticism, anxiety, emotional suffering, and our attempts to protect ourselves from discomfort. I enjoy working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship difficulties, chronic pain and illness, grief, and questions of identity, meaning, and purpose. I am also drawn to exploring how we can develop a more compassionate relationship with ourselves, especially when life does not unfold as we had hoped.

My understanding of counseling is informed by both professional experience and my own contemplative practice. Through meditation, I have come to appreciate the possibility of slowing down, becoming more familiar with our internal experiences, and discovering that we can relate to difficult thoughts and emotions without being defined or overwhelmed by them. I don't believe the goal is to eliminate discomfort or become a perfected version of ourselves. Rather, I see therapy as an opportunity to cultivate greater awareness, flexibility, and freedom in how we respond to life.

Before becoming a counselor, I spent many years working with individuals, families, and communities in mental health, social services, and community-based settings. These experiences have shaped my appreciation for the complexity of people's lives and the importance of approaching each person with humility, openness, and respect. I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a concentration in Buddhism-Informed Contemplative Counseling, from Naropa University.

Outside of counseling, I enjoy meditation, spending time outdoors, meaningful conversations, exploring contemplative traditions, and continuing to learn about the many ways people make meaning of their lives. I value humor, curiosity, connection, and the reminder that being human is an ongoing process of discovery.

Ultimately, I believe there is nothing inherently wrong with being human, even when being human feels difficult. My hope is to offer a space where you can slow down, feel understood, and begin to discover new ways of relating to yourself, others, and the life you are living.