Professional Development

Philosophy of Counseling

I believe healing begins with a genuine connection. My approach is grounded in authenticity, empathy, and acceptance, creating a safe space where clients can be themselves without judgment.

I see each person as capable of growth and change, no matter their circumstances. By fostering a growth mindset, I help clients view challenges as opportunities for learning and self-discovery.

Together, we work to build self-confidence, strengthen resilience, and develop practical tools for lasting well-being.

Clinical Skills and Theory Development

I’m passionate about learning and continually expanding my knowledge to best support my clients. I enjoy exploring different therapeutic approaches and case studies to stay current and provide well-informed care. I recently completed additional training in Grief Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Sports Psychology—areas that help me better understand and meet the diverse needs of those I work with.

Research and Scholarly Activity

As a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I’m passionate about research and lifelong learning. I enjoy exploring new studies, evidence-based practices, and emerging approaches in the counseling field to better support my clients. Staying current with scholarly work helps me bring fresh perspectives, effective tools, and informed care into every session.

I'm currently a member of the American Counseling Association, the Arizona Counselors Association, and the Arizona Trauma Association.

Professional Service

Outside of my practice, I volunteer with the Red Cross Disaster Action Team for Arizona and New Mexico, offering support to individuals and families in times of crisis. I also work part-time as an office manager at Arizona Restorative Psychiatry, where I’ve had the privilege of learning alongside a team of compassionate doctors and physician assistants who have been both mentors and colleagues. These experiences continue to shape and strengthen my counseling approach, allowing me to bring empathy, knowledge, and genuine care to every session.

Mentorship

Having both a mentor and a supervisor can be incredibly valuable to a counselor’s professional growth and confidence. While these roles are different, they each offer important support at various stages of a therapist’s journey.

A mentor helps guide the bigger picture—supporting skill development, professional identity, and long-term career growth. Mentors can offer insight from their own experience, provide encouragement and healthy challenge, and open doors to new opportunities through networking and community connections. Their role is centered on helping counselors grow into the best version of themselves, both personally and professionally.

A supervisor, on the other hand, plays a more hands-on role in the day-to-day clinical work. Supervisors provide guidance on documentation, treatment planning, diagnosis, and navigating complex clinical decisions. For pre-licensed therapists or those holding a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) license, supervisors are often legally responsible for treatment plans and clinical oversight. While supervisors focus on clinical competence and ethical practice, mentors focus on overall professional development and long-term vision.

The qualities I value most in a mentor include experience, success within their specialty, a growth-oriented mindset, and the willingness to challenge me to continue improving. An ideal mentoring relationship would offer flexibility, with check-ins that could occur bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly depending on need. These meetings might range from brief conversations to longer planning and growth-focused sessions.

My ideal mentor would specialize in sports psychology and have experience working with both children and adults. I am especially drawn to mentors who are connected to youth and community outreach programs, allowing us to give back and support individuals who may not otherwise have access to therapeutic services.

With the support of a professional mentor, my primary goal is to deepen my knowledge and clinical skills in sports psychology for both youth and adults. I plan to measure this growth through increased client retention, expanded treatment modalities, and the ability to create individualized treatment plans that meet diverse client needs.

In the short term, my goals include continuing to collaborate with my current supervisors while exploring opportunities to connect with a mentor in the sports psychology field. This may include participating in continuing education, volunteering, or assisting a mentor in order to learn directly from their experience. These steps are directly aligned with my long-term goal of specializing in sports psychology and strengthening my skill set with this population.

My timeline for reaching out to potential mentors and having these conversations in place is April 2026, which marks the completion of my second internship. This timeframe allows space for thoughtful exploration, skill development, and continued growth under consistent supervision.

Wellness Plan and Self-Care

Self-care is an essential part of my life and something I encourage everyone to practice. As a counselor, I know the importance of taking care of my own well-being so I can show up fully for my clients. I find peace and clarity in the outdoors—whether I’m walking, hiking, paddle-boarding, or rafting, nature always helps me recharge.

I also make it a point to see my own therapist regularly, ensuring I’m in a healthy space both personally and professionally. Most importantly, I find joy in the simple moments—spending quality time with my son, friends, and loved ones reminds me daily of what truly matters.