THERAPEUTIC APPROACH

Like all people, a therapist brings a unique combination of personality traits, life experiences, and values to their work. Finding the right therapist for you is critical in getting what you want out of therapy. Below are some fundamental aspects of my therapeutic approach. If you find these descriptions resonate with you, then send me a message! I am also happy to answer any questions you might have.

Integrative and pragmatic

In my practice, I integrate a variety of therapeutic techniques and skills based upon the unique needs and strengths of my clients. I have training in Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral (DBT), Supportive/Humanistic, and Trauma-Focused Therapies. The variety in my training allows me to adapt to each individual so that we can co-create a therapy that meets you where you are at. I strive to be flexible and open-minded in my approach.

relational

As Dr. Judith Herman aptly said, “Recovery can take place only within the context of relationships; it cannot occur in isolation.”

Whether you are recovering from a traumatic experience, a job loss, a difficult childhood, heartbreak, the loss of a loved one, or any other of life's myriad challenges, you do not have to go it alone. I see my job, in large part, as simply being human with you. I strive to be candid, empathic, and at times humorous in my work because a strong, genuine connection is critical to facilitating change. 

ContextualLy-Based & committed to social justice

We do not exist in a vacuum. There are many systems, forces, and factors outside of the individual's control that greatly impact individual well-being. In my therapeutic work, I strive to never lose sight of the broader sociopolitical systems that act on each individual, including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia (to name a few). I maintain my awareness of my position as a White cisgender therapist, and strive to make the therapy room a safe place in which experiences different from my own can be heard, validated, and explored. 

Psychodynamically-informed

The human psyche has many layers and patterns of conflicting thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. These patterns of feeling, thinking, and behaving begin in early childhood and are reinforced throughout our lives. Thus, like fish in water, we may not even be aware of them, and therefore find ourselves in frustrating patterns we can't seem to break. In my work, I help to make the unconscious conscious. With awareness comes choice--the more we know ourselves, the more power we have to make meaningful change in on our lives. To this end, I aim to help my clients cultivate curiosity about themselves by creating a safe, empathic space in which we can explore.

Rooted in the MIND-body Connection

We are so much more than just our brains! I strongly believe that bodily experiences are a valuable source of emotional information in therapy, as well as a critical intervention point when words fail. I help my clients strengthen their mind-body connection through the use of mindfulness techniques, as well as skills that help alter the way the autonomic nervous system responds to stress. I also support my clients in their exploration of yoga, exercise, stretching, and other activities outside of therapy that help people better connect to their bodies.

Trauma-Informed

I strongly believe in each individual's capacity to lead a fulfilling and happy life after a trauma. At the same time, I also understand the ways that past trauma can feel ever-present. I am keenly aware of the difficulty trauma brings, and also what it takes away: the ability to trust, to connect, and to feel safe. I believe that all behaviors, no matter how seemingly problematic, were adaptive initially and served a purpose when they started. Rather than pathologize the individual or their behavior, I strive to understand how trauma may have shaped it. I believe that by processing the feelings and meanings associated with trauma, one can feel truly free to re-build (or perhaps build for the first time) a rich, meaningful life.

PHONE Consultation

Prior to meeting in person, I like to have a free phone consultation. I value my prospective clients' time and money, and getting to know a bit about you in advance helps me determine if I can meet your needs. In the consultation, I will get a sense of the current problem for which you are seeking help, gather some history about any past mental health history and/or treatment, and make an assessment about whether I am a good fit for your needs. If my area of expertise or experience level is not a good fit for you, then I will provide appropriate referrals.

Insight-Oriented therapy

In insight-oriented therapy, the focus is on gaining greater awareness of unconscious beliefs, feelings, and patterns of relating to others. This type of treatment varies in length, and can go on for months or years on a weekly basis, depending on the individual. In this type of therapy, I will follow your lead and help you deepen your exploration and understanding along the way. If the need arises, I am also happy to integrate things like coping skills into our work. I strive to be pragmatic and flexible in my work in order to meet your needs.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is highly effective for treating panic attacks, phobias (e.g. flying), obsessive compulsive disorder, depression. It is typically short-term in nature (usually lasting 6 months to a year), once per week. It is a highly active and collaborative form of therapy in which you will be asked to complete assignments outside of therapy, take notes in session, and challenge yourself to engage in new behaviors. We will also work to actively change thought patterns that are unhelpful to you.