When I first meet a new client, I’m not thinking about their diagnosis or what a textbook says we should do. Instead, I’m asking, Who are you? What brought you here? What do you need right now? These questions guide everything I do as a therapist because healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process.
Every person is unique, with their own story, strengths, and struggles. That’s why I take a person-centered and eclectic approach to therapy—meeting clients where they are and drawing from a variety of modalities to create a process tailored to their needs.
Therapy isn’t about forcing someone into a rigid program or expecting them to change on a timeline. It’s about creating a space where they feel safe, seen, and supported, and where their unique journey toward healing can unfold.
What Is a Person-Centered Approach?
At its core, person-centered therapy is about seeing the client as the expert on their own life. It means meeting them with curiosity and compassion, not judgment or assumptions. Rather than following a strict, one-size-fits-all program, I focus on understanding the whole person—their experiences, values, and goals—and building a process that feels true to them.
For me, this approach is about slowing down and really listening. Therapy shouldn’t feel like a checklist or a series of steps you have to complete. It should feel like a conversation, a collaboration, and a space where you can bring your full self—messy, complex, and human.
This is why I don’t subscribe fully to any one therapeutic modality. No single approach can capture the depth of who a person is or meet all their needs. Instead, I pull from a variety of tools and techniques to create something that feels aligned with where the client is and where they want to go.
An Eclectic Approach to Therapy
Over the years, I’ve trained in several therapeutic modalities, each of which offers unique tools for healing. When working with clients, I often draw from approaches like:
- Somatic Work: Emotions don’t just live in the mind—they live in the body too. Somatic therapy helps clients tune into physical sensations and release stored tension or trauma.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS): IFS, or parts work, helps clients connect with the different parts of themselves, from the inner critic to the wounded child, and build compassion for their internal world.
- Mindfulness: By cultivating awareness and presence, mindfulness helps clients observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, creating space for calm and clarity.
- Inner Child Healing: Many of us carry wounds from childhood that shape how we see ourselves and the world. Inner child work allows us to revisit and care for those tender parts of ourselves, offering love and understanding where it’s needed most.
No two clients are alike, which means no two sessions look the same. Some days, a client might need structure and grounding; other days, they might need space to explore and express. My goal is to stay flexible and responsive, adapting the process to meet their evolving needs.
Beyond Band-Aid Solutions
A lot of popular therapies today, like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) or DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), take a structured approach. They might offer a 12-week program with clear steps and measurable outcomes, and for some people, that works. But for others, it falls short.
In my experience, these programs often act as a “band-aid solution,” addressing symptoms without getting to the root of the issue. While they can provide relief in the short term, the same struggles often resurface later.
With a person-centered approach, the goal isn’t just symptom management—it’s deeper, long-term healing. That means taking the time to explore the underlying wounds and patterns that drive those symptoms and working toward systemic change.
For example, someone might come to therapy saying they want to manage their anxiety. Structured programs might focus on tools to reduce the immediate symptoms, like breathing exercises or thought reframing. But in a person-centered process, we would also ask, Where is this anxiety coming from? What patterns or experiences are fueling it? How can we address those roots?
This kind of work takes time and commitment, but it’s the difference between surviving and truly thriving.
Therapy Is a Collaboration
One of the things I love most about this work is how collaborative it is. Clients often come to me feeling like they’ve failed because they couldn’t “fix” themselves. But therapy isn’t about fixing—it’s about discovering.
In our sessions, you get to show up exactly as you are, without pressure or expectations. My role isn’t to tell you what to do or who to be; it’s to walk alongside you, offering tools, insights, and support as you navigate your own path.
Some days, we might use somatic work to reconnect with your body. Other days, we might explore the stories you tell yourself using parts work or dive into the emotions you’ve been carrying since childhood. Whatever we do, it’s guided by your needs and goals—not a predetermined program.
Why I Practice This Way
I’ve experienced firsthand how painful it can be to feel like just another number in a system. During my own mental health struggles, I encountered care that felt cold and detached—focused more on checking boxes than seeing me as a person.
That experience shaped how I approach therapy. I don’t believe in rushing people through a process or treating them like a problem to be solved. I believe in meeting people where they are, honoring their humanity, and creating space for them to heal on their own terms.
This work isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. I’ve seen clients reconnect with parts of themselves they thought were lost, imagine futures they didn’t think were possible, and build lives that feel meaningful and true.
Healing Is a Journey, Not a Destination
Therapy isn’t about becoming a “better” version of yourself or reaching some final destination. It’s about learning to accept yourself as you are, while also exploring what growth and healing might look like for you.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to start, I want you to know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. There’s no right or wrong way to heal—only the way that feels right for you.
Ready to begin your journey? At WellSite, we create spaces where you can feel safe, seen, and supported on your path to healing. Reach out today to take the next step. Get started today.
