What inspired you to become a Licensed Professional Counselor?
My first experience with counseling was in grade school when my family entered family counseling. To this day, I am so grateful for the example my parents set for my brother and I – that there is no shame in asking for help. Not only did our family get the support we needed, I learned from a young age the importance of prioritizing mental health. My experience inspired me to aim to help others in the same way I have been helped.
What advice would you give to someone considering therapy for the first time?
One of the most surprising things I have encountered as a new counselor is the misconception that severe trauma is a prerequisite for beginning therapy. The truth is, anyone can benefit from processing life’s events with an empathetic, supportive, non-judgmental therapist. We live in a highly connected world, yet we have become more and more disconnected from each other. Therapy allows us to reconnect with ourselves and to gain tools that ensure we have the best relationships possible.
