Hello, having grown up on the northwest side of Chicago, I can empathize with—and in many ways understand—the feelings of being stuck, trapped, or anxious. What helped me then, and continues to help me now, has been experiencing God’s care through the gifts of others in the church—people who knew how to offer encouragement, discernment, wisdom, teaching, mercy and love. These are the same qualities I hope to embody in my work and relationships.

Some of my favorite scriptures related to counseling are Proverbs 12:25, 16:24, 23:7; Matthew 6:25–33, 22:37; Job 2:11; and 2 Corinthians 1:3. These passages emphasize encouragement (“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” – Proverbs 12:25), the healing potential of gentle words, the impact of our thoughts on identity, Christlike presence through suffering, and the comfort we receive from God so we can comfort others.

Together, these scriptures guide me to embody unconditional presence, empathic silence, and genuine care in sessions. They remind me of the importance of witnessing and honoring each client’s unique story, creating a safe environment for psychological integration and spiritual healing.

I strive to help clients process their experiences in light of God’s truth—whether by exploring their meaning-making, affirming their identity in Christ, or offering scriptural encouragement during difficult times.

With the understanding that God designed the nervous system with an innate capacity for healing, I have found EMDR and polyvagal-informed therapy to be especially helpful in reducing and desensitizing the heightened distress and disruption associated with trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, grief, and other emotional challenges.

The human brain and nervous system are naturally equipped to process and integrate difficult experiences. At times, however, trauma and other mental health concerns can overwhelm or interrupt this adaptive processing system, leaving distressing memories, emotions, and bodily responses feeling unresolved or persistent.

EMDR therapy can help reactivate and support the brain’s natural adaptive processing capacity, allowing experiences that once felt stuck or overwhelming to be processed and integrated in a healthier way. Polyvagal-informed approaches further support this work by helping clients understand and regulate their nervous systems, cultivate a greater sense of safety, and build capacity to engage with difficult emotions and experiences.

I hope to connect with you soon!