Counselor Identity
Psychological Fitness
Psychological fitness, to me, isn’t just about emotional stability—it’s about having the self-awareness, resilience, and empathy to show up for others while staying grounded yourself. After nine years in special education, I’ve seen firsthand how mental and emotional balance directly affect one’s ability to connect, problem-solve, and adapt in challenging situations. That experience taught me to regulate my own stress, maintain perspective, and stay compassionate even in high-pressure moments. As I transition into therapy, I see psychological fitness as both a professional necessity and a personal commitment—to remain reflective, emotionally attuned, and fully present for the people who trust me to help them heal and grow.
Cultural Diversity
Over the past nine years, I have worked with students from disadvantaged and underprivileged backgrounds, which has strengthened my understanding of how culture, environment, and lived experience influence mental health. Many of the individuals I’ve counseled have faced systemic barriers that affect their education, emotional well-being, and sense of self. Recognizing these realities has shaped my approach to counseling by reminding me that each person’s background deeply impacts how they experience and respond to life’s challenges.
During my practicum, I worked exclusively with members of the Gila River tribe. That experience deepened my awareness of intergenerational trauma and how historical and cultural factors can affect healing. Many of my clients had high Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) scores and lived in environments marked by instability and violence. Building trust required cultural humility, empathy, and a willingness to listen and learn. I came to understand that healing happens through connection, respect, and an appreciation for the strength found within their community and traditions.
In addition, I have worked with people from many different faith backgrounds, including those experiencing faith crises or transitions. These conversations often reveal how deeply identity and spirituality intertwine. I strive to create an environment where clients feel free to explore their beliefs, doubts, and hopes without fear of judgment.
Cultural context is not an afterthought in my counseling practice—it is the lens through which I view every interaction. By staying attentive, curious, and open-hearted, I aim to honor each person’s unique story and support them in their journey toward growth and healing.
Genuineness
In a therapy session, I show genuineness by being fully present with my clients and responding in ways that reflect real human connection, not just clinical technique. I do not hide behind professional distance; I let my tone, facial expressions, and body language convey authentic care and respect. When a client shares something painful, I allow my empathy to show rather than masking it behind detached professionalism. I use honest language instead of jargon, and if I do not understand something, I say so and invite the client to clarify. I also own my mistakes and acknowledge when something I say does not land right. Clients can sense when I am genuinely invested in their well-being, so I make sure my words and actions line up with that intention. Ultimately, my goal is to create a space where the client feels seen, heard, and accepted by a real person, not just a therapist performing a role.
Flexibility
I show flexibility in therapy by adapting my approach to each client’s needs rather than relying on a single method or framework. I pay attention to how a client responds in the moment and adjust my pace, tone, and techniques to meet them where they are emotionally and physically. If a session takes an unexpected turn, I lean into it instead of forcing us back to a predetermined plan. My goal is to follow the client’s process and trust their internal timing.
As a former professional ballerina, I am especially attuned to the connection between the body and emotional experience. I often use somatic techniques with clients who feel that trauma is “stuck” in their bodies, helping them tune into sensations, movement, and breath as pathways to release and healing. This embodied awareness allows me to offer more than verbal reflection; it gives clients a way to experience safety and self-expression through the body. Flexibility, for me, means listening not just with my mind but with my whole presence, allowing each session to unfold in the way that best supports the client’s growth.
Self-Awareness
I show self-awareness in therapy by staying mindful of my own emotions, triggers, and biases so they do not interfere with a client’s process. I reflect regularly on my reactions during sessions and consider what they might reveal about my own growth areas. I also make it a priority to see my own counselor at least once per week. That time allows me to process my experiences, maintain emotional balance, and stay accountable to the same work I ask my clients to do. Through ongoing self-reflection and personal therapy, I strive to approach each session with humility, clarity, and openness. I know that the more I understand myself, the more effectively and authentically I can support others.
Patience
I show patience in therapy by giving clients the time and space they need to express themselves without rushing their process. Over the years, I have learned that meaningful growth often happens slowly and unpredictably. Having three younger sisters and raising two children taught me how to stay calm and steady even when emotions run high. Working with demanding clients, from intense dance parents to nonverbal autistic kindergarteners, strengthened my ability to stay grounded, listen deeply, and respond with understanding rather than frustration. In therapy, I bring that same steady energy. I wait for clients to find their own words, I honor silence when it feels necessary, and I remind myself that healing moves at the pace of trust. Patience, for me, means being fully present and allowing clients to feel safe enough to open up in their own time.
Empathy
I show empathy in therapy by allowing myself to truly feel with others, not just for them. I listen with my full attention, reflect their emotions back with care, and create space for their pain without judgment or discomfort. My ability to empathize deepened when I gave the eulogy at one of my dance student’s funerals after she died unexpectedly at fifteen. I had taught her for more than ten years, and her family gave me her first pair of pointe shoes as a keepsake. That moment reminded me that empathy is about connection that runs deeper than words—it is about bearing witness to another person’s joy and grief as if it were your own. In therapy, I draw from that experience to meet clients in their hardest moments with genuine compassion and a steady presence that tells them they are not alone.
Amiability
I show amiability in therapy by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where clients feel comfortable being themselves. Most of my friends and coworkers describe me as upbeat, approachable, and naturally positive, and I bring that same energy into the counseling room. I use humor when appropriate, maintain an open and relaxed tone, and show genuine interest in my clients’ stories. My adaptability allows me to connect with people from many different backgrounds and adjust my communication style to match what feels safe and natural for them. I believe that when clients sense kindness and approachability, they are more willing to open up and engage in the therapeutic process. My goal is to make every session feel like a supportive space where clients can breathe, reflect, and feel seen without pressure or pretense.
Acceptance
I show acceptance in therapy by meeting clients exactly where they are, without judgment or expectation. I understand that each person’s story unfolds at its own pace and that healing does not look the same for everyone. When clients share something difficult or uncomfortable, I focus on listening and understanding rather than trying to fix or change them. I validate their feelings and experiences, even when they differ from my own beliefs or values. My goal is to create a space where clients feel safe to be completely honest about who they are and what they are going through. Acceptance, for me, means honoring each person’s humanity and offering steady support as they explore their own path toward growth and self-compassion.
Professional Identity
My professional identity is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and a deep respect for the human experience. I draw from my background as a special education teacher, a professional ballerina, and now as a therapist-in-training to create a practice that values resilience, expression, and connection. My years of working with underprivileged students, members of the Gila River tribe, and individuals going through faith transitions have shaped my understanding of cultural context and the many ways people cope and heal. I approach therapy with warmth, patience, and flexibility—qualities I developed through parenting, teaching, and performing. I believe that healing involves both the mind and the body, and I often integrate somatic awareness into my sessions. Above all, I strive to be a genuine and compassionate presence, meeting each client with curiosity, acceptance, and deep respect for their unique story.