Why did you become a therapist?

 Becoming a therapist became a natural calling for me. My parents let me know that as a woman of color, I will come across spaces unwilling to hear me or truly see me. They ensured that I knew my voice was important and that I should be comfortable voicing my opinions and thoughts. As I came across interacting with others, it became clear that not many felt that their voice was important and valuable. I decided that in Undergraduate and Graduate school I was interested in how people felt emotionally about their realities and how they view themselves. Studying Psychology and Counseling has been a beautiful journey that has allowed me to interact with individuals to provide the space that makes them feel heard and seen. I enjoy what I do and feel honored whenever someone shares their story with me.

What is your approach to therapy?

 My approach to therapy is a mix of conversational, existentialist, and behavioral techniques. We learn and grow in the space that we created for you. Working with me includes exploring grounding techniques and identity factors by finding actions and emotions that best value you.  I gravitate to existentialism discussions because it is about having your own sense of life and meaning. Where do your meaning and passion come from? We may not know our essence just yet, but it gives us purpose. It all ties into a creative space in therapy sessions with me to explore your identity and work through life experiences with compassion, voice, and action. I challenge you to meet yourself.

What is something you treasure?

 Breath. I feel that in my life, as long as I have breath, I have a choice. I treasure being able to see the next day. Sometimes, I tend to remind myself that I am on a planet spinning in a galaxy, and I was able to experience this moment. When I view my life this way, it reminds me that the little things matter.  Besides that? A good dance break will do!

What is your ideal Sunday?

 Oof, I genuinely love Sundays. A good Sunday can be a very calm and present time for me. An ideal Sunday for me includes waking up with no alarm clock, a yoga session, and taking a trip to the farmer’s market. By the end of the evening, I come home to my house family to make a meal as I dance and sing around the kitchen. With that Sunday energy, I will be ready to tackle my week.

This month's theme is a Celebration of Earth Day. How do you connect to nature and our earth with mental health?

Earth Day! Cheers to Earth; it's been going through it sometimes, but Earth is hanging in there. To connect with nature, I let my inner child take the lead. I will go to the park to walk my furry friend. I gravitate towards the cherry blossoms, view the skies, and go on the swings at the park.  Sometimes, you must sit and view spaces that grow to know that it is possible for you too and connecting to nature will do that for me mentally.