Monday, September 30th, 2024
Q: On behalf of the Relationship Counseling Center of Maryland (RCC), thank you for being on staff as a therapist! What has been the most exciting part in working with RCC and its clients?
A: The most exciting part in working with RCC and its clients has been the diversity of the clients and couples. I truly enjoy meeting new people and getting to hear each person’s story. RCC has created such a warm and welcoming environment that has allowed me to feel comfortable and foster a safe space for the clients I have worked with so far.
Q: In your style of therapy, do you like to tackle the main issue head-on, or focus on the deeper issues first?
A: I gravitate towards understanding and getting to know the person before the problem. I think innately as an MFT I want to understand your life story, your family and close relationships, and who you are before we dive into unpacking the elephant in the room. I find that building a therapeutic relationship allows for deeper issues to come to the surface more naturally, but all in all I do prioritize the main concern. I see it like a house on fire. Sometimes to put out the main fire (main issue) we have to simultaneously explore the rooms in the house (deeper issues) to find the source and minimize what feels most threatening to the house (relationship or person).
Q: Have you yourself been to therapy?
A: Yes! Since high school, I have been to therapy to help me navigate different seasons of life. During graduate school I remember being asked what my “why” was for becoming a therapist, and I told my cohort about my first therapist. She shared similar identities and made such a lasting impact on my life that it sparked an interest to explore how I could also create safe spaces for people by validating their identities and experiences.
Q: What was the moment you realized you wanted to be a marriage and family therapist?
A: I honestly did not know the field of marriage and family therapy existed until I began researching graduate schools in mental health counseling. When I stumbled across the field of marriage and family therapy and began researching it, I quickly realized it was exactly what I was looking for through its systemic and relational approach.
Q: What do you like most about working with people?
A: I absolutely adore getting to know new people and creating an unfiltered space for them to exist and learn about themselves. Being a therapist is so rewarding because I get to actively be involved in helping people be their most authentic selves.
Q: Outside of being a therapist, what are some of your hobbies?
A: Outside of therapy, I enjoy reading, volunteering at my church through their student and young adult ministries, and doing crafts with friends and family. Before the year ends, my goal is to learn how to crochet with the help of friends.
Q: What do you do for self-care?
A: For self-care, I value quiet time. I am naturally introverted, so I deeply appreciate uninterrupted time to reset and relax. I often do my nails, read, or journal during these times, and the time alone is rejuvenating.
Q: In your experience, what is the most important thing that can strengthen a relationship?
A: From my experience, the most important thing that can strengthen a relationship is investing time and energy into prioritizing a friendship. Sometimes, this can get lost in the nuances of a relationship, but getting to know your partner as a friend and valuing them as a person aside from what they have to offer romantically and intimately builds a lasting foundation. I have seen it help couples navigate conflict better and be more open to compromise. It is beautiful to love your partner, and it is also essential to simply enjoy them for who they are, not just what they bring to the table.
