Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

The first session can be so anxiety provoking! During our first session, we will get to know each other. I'll ask you some questions about what is brining you in, some questions about your history, but most importantly I want to know about who you are, who the important people in your life are, and what makes you, well...you. You can ask me questions about myself, my work, my interests. I understand it's important for you to get to know me, you are trusting me with a lot. I am not a "blank slate" therapist. It doesn't feel authentic to me and I feel like you deserve more.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I want my client's to be comfortable in working with me. Therapy is not often a comfortable experience--you are challenging yourself and your beliefs in new and different ways. I believe I am able to create a space where you feel supported and cared for while doing the work. I am always learning--that is important. But just learning is not enough. I realized awhile ago that learning from the "experts"--the people with the degrees and the research is valuable but it is not enough. I learn from my clients, from people's experiences, from my own experience as a consumer of mental health services. And then I try things out. And sometimes I fumble. And I am ok to recognize my own missteps and my humanity. I am willing to be really uncomfortable. I am willing to share in the pain you bring into therapy and also share in the joy. I am not here to fix anything, but to witness and reflect on the experiences you share with me. I do not waiver from maintaining the autonomy and self determination of my clients and I am really proud of that. I know the mental health system doesn't work well and I know that I am a part of that. But I am trying to figure out how to stop perpetuating harmful systems. Lastly, I ask for help when I need it. I am not afraid to admit that I may not be the best therapist to help a person. I am ok with helping people find better matches. I do truly love what I do, but also recognize that I am not the best therapist for everyone.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Life is really hard these days. So many expectations, so many of them feeling impossible or nearly impossible. Doing your best may feel like it's not enough, whether it's work, school, relationships, parenting, dating, creating a life worth living or all of the above. We are all just trying to figure it out. There is lot of outside noise (or inside noise) telling us we aren't doing enough, we aren't worth it. Figuring out life with compassion for ourselves, feeling comfortable taking up the space we need, making choices for ourselves without apologizing-that makes a life worth living. If we can laugh while doing it, amazing! I've been a therapist for a while now, also a human for awhile! Some things I have learned in my own journey-I have a lot to learn and I am ok digging in and sitting in the discomfort of self discovery. The foundation of my practice is rooted in compassion, social justice, anti-racism, advocacy through autonomy and self determination of my clients. I know therapy is not easy. Starting with a new therapist can be especially hard. I feel honored to walk alongside my clients through whatever they are working through. I believe I bring a lot of warmth, compassion, understanding and empathy. Therapy is a partnership; I invite you to reach out to me, get to know me if I sound like a good fit for you.