(she/her)
New to Grow
Hello, and welcome. I’m truly glad you’re here. Taking the first step toward support can be difficult, and simply being here today reflects a great deal of courage, hope, and self-compassion. Whether you're facing a specific challenge, feeling overwhelmed, or simply seeking a space to better understand yourself, you deserve care, support, and the opportunity to be heard. My name is Renee, and I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2014. For more than 12 years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from many different backgrounds and life experiences. One of the greatest honors is helping someone move toward healing, growth, and a greater sense of peace. I understand that finding the right therapist can feel vulnerable. You may have questions, uncertainties, or even mixed emotions about beginning this process and that's completely okay. There is no pressure to have everything figured out before you begin. Healing is not about having all the answers; it's about having a safe place to explore them. I would love to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to help you make your decison. My hope is to create a warm, welcoming, and compassionate space where you feel seen, valued, and accepted exactly as you are. A space where you can speak openly, feel safe to process life's challenges, celebrate your strengths, and move towards a life worth living. Whatever has brought you here, please know that you do not have to carry it alone. Support is available, and meaningful change is possible. I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey. When you're ready, let's talk.
Your first session is simply a chance for us to meet, connect, and begin getting to know one another. Starting therapy can bring a mix of emotions so whatever you're feeling is welcome here. There is no expectation that you have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. You do not need to tell your whole story in one session. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable and respectful of your needs. I'll ask you to share are what has brought you to therapy, what challenges you may be facing, and what you hope life might look like with more support. I'll ask questions to better understand your experiences, strengths, relationships, and the goals that are important to you. Most importantly, I will listen. The first session is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of who I am and how I work. Therapy is a collaborative relationship, and finding the right fit matters. I welcome your questions, concerns, and feedback. My hope is that you leave our first meeting feeling seen, heard, and a little less alone than when you arrived. Wherever you are in your journey, we will start there together.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in building genuine rapport and trust, recognizing that feeling safe, understood, and accepted is essential to meaningful and lasting change. I believe healing happens within a strong therapeutic relationship, and I strive to create a space where clients feel comfortable being their selves without fear of judgment. I work from a trauma-informed, person-centered, and strength-based perspective, meeting each individual where they are with empathy, respect, warmth, and support. I believe that every person possesses inherent strengths and the capacity for growth, healing, and resilience. Together, we identify and build upon those strengths, helping you develop greater confidence in your ability to navigate life's challenges and overcome obstacles. I integrate motivational interviewing to explore readiness for change, solution-focused and problem-solving strategies to create forward movement, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns. I also incorporate components of Dialectical Behavior Therapy to build skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and healthy coping. My goal is not only to help you find relief from current struggles but also to help you develop the insight, skills, and resilience needed to face future challenges with greater confidence and self-trust. Through a collaborative and supportive process, we work together towards healing, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful changes that align with your values, goals, and vision for your life.
Clients ages 8-70+. Clients who might be carrying the weight of significant trauma, addictions, unresolved grief, and painful life experiences that can feel isolating or overwhelming. I support those who struggle with trust after unhealthy relationships, major life transitions, and/or who have turned to alcohol or other substances to cope with emotional pain. I also work with individuals healing from addiction, substance use, and mental health challenges, and I have experience supporting military families as they navigate the unique barriers of having a loved one in the military, as well as serving Veterans. My goal is to offer a supportive space for healing, connection, and meaningful change.
Other specialties
I identify as
Integrative
My therapeutic approach is grounded in building genuine rapport and trust, recognizing that feeling safe and understood is essential to meaningful change. I work from a trauma-informed, person-centered, and strength-based perspective, meeting each individual where they are with empathy, respect, and support. I integrate motivational interviewing to explore readiness for change, solution-focused and problem-solving strategies to create forward movement, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns. I also incorporate components of Dialectical Behavior Therapy to build skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and effective coping, always honoring each person’s unique experiences, goals, and capacity for growth.