Individual Therapy
A Safe, Reflective Space for Growth, Healing, and Self-Discovery
Individual therapy is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and begin to understand yourself more deeply. It’s a place where you can safely explore what’s happening inside — your emotions, relationships, and patterns — with the guidance of a skilled, compassionate therapist.
In my practice, I provide individual therapy in Santa Barbara for adults and adolescents seeking growth, healing, and clarity. Whether you are working through trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, identity exploration, or simply feeling stuck, therapy can help you reconnect with your sense of self and find direction again.
What Is Individual Therapy?
Individual therapy (sometimes called psychotherapy or counseling) is a confidential, one-on-one process designed to support your mental, emotional, and relational wellbeing. It’s not just about symptom relief — it’s about developing a deeper understanding of who you are and how you want to live.
You might seek therapy when you:
Feel anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained
Are navigating a major life transition or loss
Want to understand repeating relationship patterns
Feel disconnected from yourself or others
Are struggling with identity, meaning, or purpose
Desire to grow beyond survival into a more authentic, fulfilling life
Therapy provides a space that is free from judgment, full of curiosity, and grounded in empathy — a space where you can bring your full self, exactly as you are.
My Approach to Therapy
My work is rooted in Humanistic and Person-Centered Therapy, which means that I believe you are the expert on your own experience. My role is to offer a compassionate, attuned, and reflective environment where your inner wisdom can begin to emerge.
I also draw from:
Trauma-Informed Care, ensuring safety, empowerment, and trust at every stage
Somatic Awareness, helping you reconnect with the wisdom of your body
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for practical tools to manage thoughts and emotions
Emotionally Focused and Attachment-Based Approaches, deepening insight into how early experiences shape adult relationships
Animal-Assisted Therapy, integrating my certified therapy dog Sophie for clients who benefit from grounding and co-regulation through the human–animal bond
Each session is uniquely tailored to your needs. My intention is always to meet you where you are — gently and skillfully guiding you toward deeper self-awareness, emotional regulation, and authentic connection.
What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially if it’s your first time. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable.
Before Your First Session
After you schedule an appointment, you’ll receive intake paperwork to complete online. This includes background information, consent forms, and space to share what brings you to therapy.
During the First Session
Our first session is primarily about building connection and understanding your goals. You can expect:
A warm, confidential space — no judgment, no pressure
An invitation to share what’s been difficult, what’s been working, and what you hope will change
Questions that help me understand your history, relationships, and current challenges
Space to talk about what you need from me as your therapist
We’ll also discuss logistics: session frequency, confidentiality, and how you know therapy is working for you.
You don’t need to have all the answers — the first session is simply a starting point. You set the pace, and we’ll go as slowly or as deeply as feels right for you.
After the First Session
Many clients describe feeling a mix of relief and reflection. Therapy is a gradual process, and every session builds safety and insight over time. You’ll begin to notice patterns, emotions, and stories that shape your life — and learn new ways to relate to them.
Common Areas of Focus in Individual Therapy
Every person’s story is unique, but some of the most common areas we explore together include:
Anxiety and Stress: Understanding the roots of worry and developing grounding techniques for calm and resilience
Trauma and PTSD: Creating safety in the body, processing past experiences, and restoring a sense of agency
Depression and Grief: Moving through emotional pain with compassion and finding meaning in healing
Relationships and Attachment: Identifying patterns and cultivating healthier, more connected ways of relating
Identity and Self-Discovery: Exploring gender, sexuality, spirituality, and purpose with acceptance and curiosity
Life Transitions: Navigating changes such as career shifts, relocation, parenting, or loss with clarity and support
Each of these areas is approached with care for your lived experience and readiness.
How I Support the Healing Process
Healing isn’t linear — it’s cyclical, dynamic, and deeply personal. My role is to walk alongside you as a steady, compassionate witness. Together, we create a space where you can:
Develop greater emotional awareness and regulation
Reconnect with your authentic self
Heal from trauma and relational wounds
Build self-trust and boundaries
Cultivate self-compassion and resilience
Discover new ways to relate to others and to yourself
Through curiosity, reflection, and gentle guidance, therapy becomes a space where growth feels both possible and safe.
The Power of the Therapeutic Relationship
Research consistently shows that the relationship between therapist and client is the single most important factor in successful therapy outcomes. That means therapy isn’t something done to you — it’s something we create together.
In our work, you’ll be met with empathy, respect, and authenticity. My goal is to offer a relationship that feels both grounding and growth-oriented — a space where you can be fully seen, fully heard, and fully human.
What Healing Can Look Like
Over time, individual therapy helps you:
Feel calmer and more grounded
Improve communication and boundaries
Develop greater self-awareness and acceptance
Reduce anxiety, shame, and reactivity
Experience deeper, more authentic relationships
Feel more connected to purpose and vitality
