LMFT, 25 years of experience
New to Grow
Take a deep breath...You've just taken the first step on your path towards better mental health. It would be my honor to be the therapist who walks and supports you through this journey. I know that up to this point, you've done your best with what you knew and the tools you had, but they aren't helping anymore. Which is why you are here now looking at my profile. Do you want to feel more joy in parenting, in relationships, at work, or personally? Do you want less anxiety, depression, self-doubt, emotional instability? We can work together to identify new thought patterns, better communication strategies, problem-solve coping strategies, and what you want for your life moving forward.
Our first session is an opportunity for me to understand some of your history, current and past challenges, and when there is time, goals for therapy (otherwise we will get to it in the second session). It is also a chance for you to understand a little bit about me and how I view therapy. l see the first, and all sessions, as a collaboration towards your goals.
I was trained as a systemic therapist, which means that I view relationships in a 3-D interconnected way. People struggle because of their view of the relationships or lack of relationships they are in. Therefore, being able to understand the interactions among the various parts of a person’s life, creates a different perspective on what the problems might be. A big hurdle for most people is that they see an issue one way, get stuck on that view, and then enlist problematic strategies to fix or manage the problem. I will assist you in seeing the struggles differently so we can problem-solving useful coping strategies.
I'm excited to work with clients who are willing to explore their thoughts and feelings, even when it is difficult and messy! I've been working a long time with clients who are struggling in relationships, managing healthy work-life balance, as well as issues of anxiety and depression. Most of my clients also have some level of trauma that needs to be identified and worked through.
CBT is an important modality because it helps to identify faulty thoughts, behaviors, and feelings that maintain problem areas. We will challenge these areas and identify healthy coping skills to increase feelings of wellbeing.
There are a lot of great skills that can be taught from the Gottman's work. Their information helps a couple see where they have missed bids for connection, how communication plays into conflict, as well as providing new skills to address these (and other) struggles.
We all come from different cultures, backgrounds, beliefs and have different experiences. It is important for me to provide a safe space for people to feel respected and understood, regardless of their cultural identity.
I was training as a systemic family therapist, which is to take into account each person's individual relationships and how those relationships interact in healthy or not so healthy ways. I'll focus on how social systems such as family, friends, and school/work environments contribute to difficulties and well-being.
I have been working for over 5 years with clients who are questioning their gender identity or are struggling with transitioning to their preferred gender.