My passion stems from this belief: All people have the power and potential to figure out how to best live in this world. My role as a counselor is to help clarify how one’s own life experiences influence their thinking, behaviors, emotions and perceptions of the world. Once a person understands the origins of their problems more deeply, they are then able to make and sustain the changes they need to move forward. It is my hope to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space in which a person can feel safe and comfortable exploring their lives and experiences. Trust and the ability to truly consider another’s perspective are vital to effective counseling. Meaningful change is most probable when one is able to build off their own strengths. The social work perspective has provided a deeper understanding of how the whole environment needs consideration when working toward change. Since 2015, I have worked as a counselor in the community, inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient therapy, which is my strength and preference. The experience that sets me apart includes training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and holistic approaches.