Research indicates that establishing a strong therapeutic alliance is the most important factor in successful outcomes in therapy independent of the specific type of treatment. My ultimate goal for the end of every session is to have each client feel safe, understood, and cared for; creating the best environment for the trajectory of our work together.

To me, the trust and rapport-building process is essential when clients are seeking help with vulnerable and emotionally difficult concerns that take a lot of courage to discuss. The majority of my clients have expressed that I am typically the first person they have shared their story with due to feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame (these are normal trauma responses that we will work on improving). I understand how challenging it is to open up about what has happened to you, as everything in your mind and body is screaming to keep it hidden and bury it deep. This is why I take cultivating our therapeutic relationship so seriously, and wear client’s trust in me as a badge of honor.