I’m passionate about helping couples and families thrive. I enjoy working with clients who want to improve their relationships (even divorced couples who are coparenting.) I am also a certified divorce mediator, working hard to keep parents child-focused and peaceful through their divorce process. I am experienced with working with autism spectrum, ADHD, infertility, adoption, multi-racial families, divorce mediation, and coparenting. I am also trained in CBT-I for insomnia. I have experience working with people struggling with addiction, and those who love them.
I believe that therapy should be tailored to the client and their needs, and not the preferences of the therapist. Therefore I take an eclectic approach, using modalities that are specific to the issues being presented. I draw from psychodynamic theory, experiential therapy, family systems, and cognitive behavioral approaches. I draw from psychodynamic theory, experiential therapy, family systems, and cognitive behavioral approaches. I am a trauma-informed therapist and have completed additional training to bring an LGBT-affirming and anti-racist lens to the work I do.
What does a typical session with you look like?
In your first session, we will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy as well as your goals. In future sessions, we will check in about your week, and then dive into the goals we have set, whether that be having a better relationship, kicking a bad habit, reducing anxiety or depression, or any other number of personal changes you would like to make.
If you could pick one or two books that influenced your approach to therapy what would they be and why?
“What Happened to You?” by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Perry
“The Myth of Normal” by Gabor Maté
“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl
“The Gift of Therapy” by Irvin D. Yalom
How do you approach the stigma surrounding mental health and therapy?
I believe that seeking therapy is a proactive step toward personal growth and improvement, not a sign of weakness. I try to normalize the conversation around mental health by highlighting that true strength lies in the willingness to face and work through challenges. Going to therapy requires bravery, self-awareness, and humility, which are traits that should be celebrated, not stigmatized.
Short Term (Solution-focused, etc.)
Ideal for those who are coming in with a specific problem they’d like to address and gain clarity on. Typically, short term therapies are present focused and do not dive deep into your past.
Structured
Structured therapies are goal and progress oriented. Therapists may incorporate psychoeducation and a specific “curriculum.” In order to stay on track, therapists may provide worksheets and homework.
Insight-oriented (Psychodynamic, Existential, etc.)
Exploring the past and making connections to present issues can help clients gain insight. Getting to the root of the issue and finding deeper self-awareness can help with long-term change.
Non-directive (Humanistic, Person-centered, etc.)
Going with the flow and seeing where it leads.
Behavioral (CBT, DBT, etc.)
Focuses on changing potentially unhealthy or self-destructive behaviors by addressing problematic thought patterns and specific providing coping skills.
Trauma Focused (EMDR, TF-CBT, etc.)
Recognizing the connection between trauma experiences and your emotional and behavioral responses, trauma focused therapy seeks to help you heal from traumas.
