Growing up in a family with multiple addiction and mental health issues, I spent years in therapy exploring my past and how it informed my present. I became more and more interested in how people grow, develop, and adapt to their genetics, environment, and opportunities. Over 20 years ago, I launched into my first job in behavioral health as a substance abuse counselor in a residential treatment facility. Through the years I’ve worked in different roles, settings, and moved throughout the country, always pursuing education, training, and self-development so that I can bring my best self into all my relationships. One of my favorite things is working with clients who are curious and driven to understand themselves and who are willing to work through their fears and trust their authentic, intuitive selves—even when they are scared to do so. I see therapy as a two-fold process. On one level, there’s getting to know and trust each other through extensive discussion. This part of therapy helps with processing and resolution of issues that drive unhelpful thinking, emotions, and behaviors. At the same time, it’s important for a client to leave each session feeling like they have some practical skills or strategies to experiment with to help relieve symptoms or to further their wellness goals.