My Journey to Mental Health Care

My journey into the mental health field began with a genuine curiosity about people and a desire to understand the things that shape who we are. During my undergraduate education at Texas A&M University, I studied Psychology and completed a minor in Neuroscience, along with a certificate in Applied Behavioral Health. Through my education, I became increasingly interested int he connection between our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships This solidified for me that I wanted to pursue a career where I could support others in a meaningful and impactful way.

My desire to help others continued to grow through my involvement in a student organization focused on helping students explore and pursue careers in healthcare. As a leader within the organization, I had the privilege of working alongside fellow students preparing for careers as doctors, nurses, dentists, mental health professions, and other health care providers. This experience reinforced my passion for helping others build towards their dreams and a broader appreciation for the many ways we can support a person’s well-being.

My understanding of caring for others was further shaped through my experience as a private caregiver. This role taught me the importance of patience, compassion, and meeting people where they are. It showed me that meaningful support begins with simply being present, showing up, listening, and recognizing each person’s individual needs.

My understanding of therapy is also shaped by my own experience as a client! I began attending therapy in high school while navigating transitions towards college, anxiety and periods of self-doubts. Having experienced therapy first hand gave me an appreciation for how impactful it can be to have a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space to process areas of your life. This experience as a client continues to influence how I show up for my clients. I understand how vulnerable it can feel to ask for help, and I want my clients to now they don’t have to have all the answers before they enter into sessions.

Life experience ultimately led me to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Throughout my education and clinical experiences, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals across a wide rage of ages and experiences. each encounter has reinforced my belief that there is no single path towards healing and that therapy should be personalized to the individual sitting with me.

I feel so incredibly fortunate to have found a career that brings my passion for understanding people, experiences supporting others, and belief in power of strong therapeutic relationships. It is a privilege to talk alongside people as they navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and create meaningful changes in their lives.