How does motivational interviewing work and how can it help?
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, goal-oriented approach that helps people explore and strengthen their own motivation for change. Rather than telling you what to do, I help you identify your personal goals, values, and reasons for making changes that matter to you. Through open conversations, we work through uncertainty, build confidence, and develop practical steps toward positive change. Motivational Interviewing can be especially helpful for managing mental health concerns, improving treatment engagement, building healthier habits, and making lasting lifestyle changes.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a strong background in emergency nursing, military service, and mental health care. My clinical experience has shaped the way I practice: calm under pressure, direct when needed, and deeply committed to helping people feel steady again. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, life stress, burnout, mood concerns, sleep issues, and medication management needs.
Before becoming a psychiatric provider, I served in the U.S. Navy. I later worked as an emergency department nurse, where I learned the importance of listening well, acting decisively, and treating the whole person, and not just a diagnosis. My approach is practical, collaborative, and grounded in real life. I help patients understand their symptoms, explore treatment options, and build a plan that supports both stability and long-term growth.