I’m excited to share my journey to becoming a therapist in Madison WI, and why I feel called to walk alongside others in their mental health journeys.

Early Signs of Anxiety

The start of my path toward becoming a therapist began with my first existential crisis. When I was 6 years old, I vividly remember stopping my mom and dad mid-picture book and telling them I felt sick with the “quizzys.” (Six-year-old me meant I was sick to my stomach with anxiety about the idea of death.)

Although I struggled on and off with anxiety and existential dread, the rest of my childhood was relatively normal.

High School and the Pandemic

The next major event came during my senior year of high school. The COVID-19 pandemic hit, and at the same time, an immediate family member suddenly became very ill. As a result, I turned to painting on a whim, and it became one of the few things that helped me cope.

College Years and Mental Health Struggles

In Fall 2020, I started college at the University of Virginia. However, beginning during the height of the pandemic meant it was far from a typical college experience.

I struggled deeply with my mental health, which led me to begin attending therapy myself. At first, I studied biology, but it wasn’t the right fit. Instead, I leaned into my creative side and transferred into the Architecture School.

Even with an amazing support system of friends, my mental health didn’t improve. The architecture program demanded long hours. Its stressful culture, combined with my tendency toward anxiety, was unsustainable.

Discovering a New Path

One day, as I looked over my architecture projects, I noticed a common thread. Every design centered around mental health and well-being. My buildings weren’t just walls and doors. Instead, they were designed to promote healing and connection.

This realization convinced me to pursue a degree in psychology. I wanted to understand how environments, relationships, and communities affect our inner worlds.

A Tragic Event and a Clearer Calling

Even after shifting majors, I continued to encounter moments that tested my resilience. A tragic event at UVA shook the entire community, including me.

While I won’t go into detail, it gave me firsthand insight into how trauma ripples through both individuals and communities. It also made clear how urgently the world needs accessible, compassionate mental health care.

Now, as I begin my role as a therapist in Madison WI, my goal is to support people through these same kinds of crises and transitions with care and understanding.

Why Asking for Help Matters

Throughout my life, I’ve had several opportunities to seek out additional mental health support. However, when we’re struggling, the idea of asking for help can feel like running a marathon you never trained for. It seems practically impossible.

My own experiences taught me something important. Having an approachable, accepting person on the other side can make that marathon feel… maybe still a half-marathon, but a doable one.

My Approach Today

Through my experiences and my ongoing MSW program at Rutgers University, I’ve learned my calling is to become a therapist who helps people navigate life with compassion and understanding.

In addition, I’m passionate about supporting people facing transitions, stress, challenges in identity exploration, and anyone who wants to normalize mental health struggles.

As someone who grew up in a culturally and politically polarized environment, I value creating a non-judgmental safe space where clients can be their genuine selves. Therapy, to me, is about relationships that foster healing and growth — not just problem-solving.

My goal is to meet each client where they are. I want them to feel seen, heard, understood, and supported as I take this next step toward becoming a licensed clinical social worker and therapist in Madison WI.

View more info >>HERE.