Get to know me

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

In our initial session, I will focus on getting to know you deeply and holistically. We will explore: Your current situation: Understanding where you are in your life, including your daily routines, relationships, and any immediate concerns or stressors. Your goals and dreams: Discuss where you want to go and what you hope to achieve, both in the short term and long term. This includes personal, professional, and emotional aspirations. Your challenges and obstacles: Identify any barriers that might be in your way, whether they are internal (like fears or doubts) or external (like financial or social constraints). Your strengths and resources: Highlighting what you already have that can help you on your journey, such as personal qualities, supportive relationships, and available resources. Your morals and values: Understanding what principles guide your life and decisions. This includes your core beliefs, ethical standards, and what you consider most important. Your experiences: Talking about what has happened in your life and what hasn’t. This includes significant life events, traumas, achievements, and missed opportunities. Your skills: Recognizing the skills you possess, both those you use regularly and those you might not have fully tapped into yet. Nothing is off the table. I want to talk about everything that matters to you. My aim is for you to feel truly heard and understood. I aim to be genuinely transformative with you from the moment we start. I want you to feel as if you have my undivided attention and that we can navigate through anything together.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strength is my unique and rich personal story, which has really shaped how I work and what I care about. I was adopted at 20 by a loving, gay hippie who protested back in the 60s. Since then, my life has been filled with colorful experiences, the sounds of protest songs, and the feeling of a home where everyone was welcome. My adoptive parent, a true pioneer, taught me so much about understanding others, accepting people for who they are, and the importance of community. His family showed me a world full of creativity and open-mindedness, where music, art, and standing up for what you believe in were a big deal. That's where I learned how important it is to express yourself, celebrate being different, and fight for what's right, especially for the LGBTQ+ community and other groups that are often pushed to the side. Because of all this, I truly believe that we all have a bit of an artist, an activist, and a free spirit inside us, just waiting to come out. My birth parents, who both had disabilities, and the rest of my birth family, who were clam diggers with hands roughened by the sea but spirits as strong as the ocean, taught me about toughness and determination when facing hard times, including dealing with ableism and money problems. This has really stuck with me. My journey has been even more amazing because of my loving female partner, who is legally blind and in whom we share four children together with. Seeing how strong and resilient they are in a world that isn't always easy for people with disabilities has made me understand people better and has inspired me to be a more caring and inclusive therapist. All of this has made me really appreciate how strong people can be and the unique challenges that people from all walks of life face. In my work, I want to create a safe and welcoming place where LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized groups can heal and grow. I believe in talking openly and honestly, even about the tough stuff, and always making sure that blame is placed where it belongs. I hope that, together, we can get through life's ups and downs, build strength, and connect with each other in a real way. One of my biggest strengths is being able to see the big picture and help you figure out a plan. I use different tools like mind maps, looking at the best and worst possibilities, and thinking about things from different angles. I also bring in what's happening in the world to help give context. But most importantly, I know

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal client is someone who often feels that small things hold large meaning but struggles to voice those feelings. Perhaps you don't feel calm or "normal," or your inner thoughts sometimes seem "crazy." You're ready to dive deep into these experiences, but you also want tangible steps and practical tools to help you move forward. We're a great match if you're looking for a therapist who isn't tied to one specific modality but rather adapts to what you need in the moment. My diverse background in advocacy informs my work as a therapist, where I empower clients to explore their zest for life, navigate moral complexities, and become their own best advocates. I believe in the transformative power of simple actions, such as asking questions, challenging existing narratives, and rewriting past injustices. Our journey will begin by exploring your personal narrative and challenging limiting beliefs. In a safe, supportive space, we'll practice "waging good conflict," empowering you to communicate authentically and set healthy boundaries. Together, we'll reignite your passions and rediscover the zest for life that makes you uniquely you.