When clients come to me, I draw from both my background. I know that healing and transformation can happen in spaces where you feel seen, heard, and comfortable enough to be yourself. My approach integrates evidence-based practices like CBT, DBT, culturally appropriate somatic therapies, and solution- focused strategies, but it’s all infused with the relational and intuitive skills I developed during my hairstyling years.
In our sessions, I help you explore your thoughts, emotions, and body sensations in a way that feels natural and safe.. If we’re using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I’ll guide you to notice patterns in your thinking—those “what-if” spirals or harsh self-judgments—and work with you to reframe them. For example, I might say, “Let’s pause and look at that thought. How true does it feel, and is there another way to see this?” I’m collaborative, so we’ll work together to find perspectives that empower you instead of keeping you stuck.
With DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), I teach practical tools for navigating emotions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I might introduce distress-tolerance skills—like grounding exercises to center you in the moment—or emotion-regulation techniques to help you feel more in control. These aren’t just skills to use in the therapy room; I want you to leave our sessions with tools you can use in your everyday life. Because I prioritize culturally appropriate care, I understand that your identity—whether tied to race, culture, gender, or other factors—plays a significant role in how you experience the world and yourself. That’s where somatic therapies come in. I help you tune into your body as a source of wisdom, guiding you to notice where stress, trauma, or joy shows up physically. Maybe we’ll focus on breathwork, grounding, or even gentle movement to release tension and create space for healing. If you tell me, for instance, about the pressure to perform perfection or shrink parts of yourself, I’ll ask how that feels in your body and help you reconnect with the strength in your posture, breath, and movement.
“What’s one small step we can take toward the life you’re envisioning?” or “Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge like this and succeeded? What helped you then?” Together, we’ll build on what’s already working and uncover new pathways forward.
My goal is to create a space where you feel as comfortable as if you were sitting in a stylist’s chair— sharing your story without fear of judgment, trusting that you’ll leave feeling lighter and more connected to yourself. Whether we’re diving into deep emotional work or focusing on practical tools, I’m here to honor all parts of your identity and help you embrace your full self.
As a therapist who used to be a hairstylist, my sessions often feel like a blend of comfort, trust, and healing work. Picture this: you walk into my office, and it’s not your typical clinical setting. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with soft lighting and the faint scent of essential oils in the air. The seating is cozy, designed to make you feel at ease, much like the vibe you’d get at a high-end salon where conversations naturally flow.
When we begin, I lean into the conversational rhythm I cultivated as a hairstylist. My questions are gentle and open-ended, guiding you to share as much or as little as you feel ready for. I might say, “How have things been feeling for you lately?” or “What’s been on your mind that we can unpack together today?” My tone is calm and empathetic, encouraging honesty without pressure.
If it feels right, I might even draw on those hairstylist days more directly. For instance, I might ask, “Have you ever noticed how taking care of yourself—whether it’s through your hair, your skin, or anything else— can shift your mood?” This could open up a conversation about self-care rituals and their deeper meanings, especially for clients of color who often experience unique pressures around appearance. Throughout the session, I use active listening, reflecting your words back to you in a way that shows I truly hear and understand. I’m not afraid of silence either; sometimes, it’s in those quiet moments that the most profound realizations emerge.
And just like in a hairstyling appointment, where clients often leave feeling lighter and more confident, I aim for you to leave our sessions with a sense of clarity, empowerment, and readiness to take on whatever’s next. This space is yours, and I’m here to guide, support, and help you shine in your authenticity.
What keeps my clients coming back is the space we’ve created together—one that feels safe, affirming, and transformative. In every session, I meet you exactly where you are, honoring your full identity and experiences without judgment. I think what resonates most is that I’m not here to “fix” you; I’m here to walk alongside you as you navigate your healing journey.
You come back because this space is different from what you may encounter in the world. Here, your voice matters. We explore the layers of your story, unpack the weight of systemic oppression, and celebrate your resilience. I center you in our work together, whether that means collaboratively setting goals, co-creating strategies for growth, or holding space for emotions that need to be felt and released. Clients often tell me they return because they leave each session with something tangible—whether it’s a new insight, a sense of relief, or a tool they can use in their daily life. Maybe it’s the CBT strategies we practice to reframe unhelpful thoughts or the grounding exercises from somatic therapy that help you feel more connected to your body. Maybe it’s the solution-focused work that reminds you of your strengths and keeps you moving toward your goals, one step at a time.
But it’s not just the tools—it’s the relationship. I think what brings clients back is the trust we build, the way I hold space for your complexities and affirm your worth, even when you’re struggling to see it yourself. You know I’ll challenge you when necessary, but always with compassion and your best interests at heart. You also return because this work goes beyond the individual. Together, we name and challenge the systemic forces—racism, sexism, heterosexism, and other forms of oppression—that impact your mental health. We’re not just addressing symptoms; we’re working toward liberation, both personally and collectively. And that kind of work takes time, but it’s worth it.
Ultimately, what keeps you coming back is the sense that this space helps you connect with your true self. It’s a space where you can lay down the burdens you’ve carried for too long, celebrate the parts of you that deserve to shine, and feel empowered to take on the world as your authentic self. And I’m honored to be part of that journey with you.
