New to Grow
Hello! I am a holistic & eclectic therapist with specialized training in mindfulness, hypnotherapy, trauma, depression, anxiety, women's studies, yoga & deep nature connection. Authenticity, compassion & connection are the pillars of my practice. I consider myself down to earth, egalitarian, empowering and sensitive to issues of diversity and neurodivergence. I've done deep inner work on myself, as a trauma survivor - so I know what it's like to be the person receiving therapy. I have lived in both urban & rural areas & worked in a variety of settings: residential, public mental health clinics, school based therapies, holistic practices & in private practice. I bring a spirit of joyfulness, laughter & calmness to sessions, & invite those I am honored & privileged to serve into a deeper love of their intrinsic amazing one of a kind self! I will walk with you through the difficult, gritty and frightening places you may need to metabolize/unpack & will also uplift and celebrate your strengths, growth & resilience. All things are possible with Love, Respect & Wisdom!!!
In our first session (the "intake" or "psychosocial assessment" I will give you and introduction to my experience, credentials & life, as well as review confidentiality. I will explore with you what is bringing you to therapy at this time as well as gather information on your life, background & current symptoms. Out of this initial meeting a preliminary diagnosis(s) will be assigned (required by insurance) but can be changed or further refined as I get to know you better. I will ask about what you wish to gain from therapy, answer any questions you may have and explore your scheduling needs. In addition if not completed in advance an anxiety and depression screening tool may be done.
I think the deep respect, authenticity and compassion I bring to my work is what really resonates with people I have the honor to serve as a therapist. There is a deep feeling of safety when one senses they are seen, heard & accepted for who they are. I believe there is also a sensed safety when in the presence of one who has done their own inner work, transforming trauma & deeply painful wounds: I know I have had a strong gut feeling about whether a therapist can "handle" my issues or not. It is so important to find a match that feels supportive and empowering.
I appreciate anyone who wishes to explore personal growth and has the courage to give therapy a try. I am willing to work with someone who has never had therapy & is very tentative, as well as someone who has years of experience in therapy. As a clinician I think it is important to meet people where they are and my work would not be as rich if I didn't work with a wide variety of people.
Other specialties
I identify as
Eclectic
I am a holistic & eclectic therapist. No one therapy approach has "all the answers" and much wisdom can be pulled from many different therapeutic approaches. Every client is unique and as such a truly unique approach that fits their needs must be cultivated.
Attachment-based
We all are somewhere in the attachment continuum and our attachment style has profound implications for how we relate to others and what our coping styles are. When made conscious and managed consciously, much weight can be lifted from an individual's journey.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is considered the most evidence based practice with a wide variety of mental health concerns. This makes sense when one considers that we are thinking beings & that thinking profoundly affects emotions/reactions - so learning to work consciously with our thinking processes: spotting errors and correct them has profound power to enhance our well-being.
Compassion Focused
Connection is the heart of therapy. I don't believe any effective therapy can take place unless the person receiving the therapy truly feels seen, heard and cared about. This can then become the basis for self-compassion which is profoundly healing to stabilize in one's life/journey.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
America has been called both a "melting pot" & a "mixing bowl": we are all affected by the broader society as well as our one unique heritages. Those who come from lineages that have been historically/currently oppressed have unique needs: the playing field is not level. Those from more privileged backgrounds can benefit from investigating ancestral traumas as well in shaping identity.