I have been practicing mental health counseling since 2004. I have worked with a wide variety of psychological and life issues over the years and have found that the most important part of a successful therapy experience is having an authentic, trusting relationship with my clients. I strive to create a safe and compassionate environment where you can explore and discuss vulnerable topics and feel understood. I’m interested in supporting you through the process of achieving your goals. I view therapy as a process of both healing and development. Life is hard and everyone has sustained emotional or psychological injuries of some kind. These injuries can be limiting because they keep us stuck in unfulfilling patterns of emotions, behaviors, and relationships, and distort our sense of self. As we engage in the process of healing, those negative patterns begin to shift until they no longer fit or make sense. Life becomes more fulfilling as you develop into a more authentic self.
In our first session, we will start by exploring what motivated you to come to therapy and the history of your concerns. If there is time, I will ask you some general questions about how you grew up. I encourage all of my clients to let me know if I ask you about something you don’t feel ready to discuss. We will go at your pace.
I have over 20 years of experience working with clients who have experienced significant trauma. This work has taught me how to be sensitive to vulnerability and to listen without judgment. I deeply value having a mutually authentic experience with my clients. I welcome any feedback you have for me about your experiences in session, and I will also give you honest feedback. I am most interested in working collaboratively to find just the right solutions for you.
I have been using EMDR to help client resolve past and recent traumas since 2009. I have found EMDR to be a highly effective method for reducing anxiety and other symptoms, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of experiences, traumatic or otherwise.
Developing compassion for both self and others is a key element of psychological work. One cannot simultaneously heal and hold on to self-defeating negative beliefs. As a practice, compassion helps one to develop a peaceful mindset while also being realistic about situations.
Habitual thoughts play a powerful role in the experience of emotions, the way situations are perceived, and the way beliefs are developed. Becoming aware of the patterns of thoughts and their effects on the mind and body is another key element of successful healing.
Life is a full-body phenomenon. All experience happens within the body and cannot be separated from it. The experience of the mind and all it contains - thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and beliefs, are all influenced by the various states of the body. Understanding this influence and learning how to soothe and care for the body are an important part of mental well-being.
It is important to understand how someone’s cultural background influences their life experiences, particularly for those who do not identify with the dominant cultural group. I understand that cultural background can influence many aspects of life and seek to include these details and values in the process of therapy.