New to Grow
As a relationally oriented psychotherapist, I have always had a passion and curiosity about our human experience and how we heal. My interest has led me to work in various mental health settings over the past 16 years companioning clients of many ages and life stages. I have worked in residential homes and facilities, psychiatric hospitals, community-based WRAP around programs, therapeutic schools and private practice community clinics. My work with children, teens, adults, elders and families has supported a dynamic understanding of our human experience and our innate needs for connection and understanding.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we will review informed consent to orient ourselves to our therapeutic relationship, what to expect and understanding your rights as a client. We will then explore what is bringing you to therapy at this time and what you hope to gather from therapy.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My therapeutic approach is eclectic and tailored to meet each client’s presenting needs. My style is warm, curious and kind, creating a therapeutic environment that supports authenticity and creates possibility to explore and expand. I have witnessed clients through the years leaving therapy feeling more confident, less burdened, more connected and less afraid of life ahead.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My therapeutic focus addresses underlying trauma and associated symptoms (anxiety, depression, ADHD, difficulty sleeping, relational functioning) that impact social and emotional health. I work with clients, at their own pace, with a focus on somatic regulation to support greater awareness, self-compassion, courage and understanding.
Attachment-based
Together, we will explore early attachment experiences with caregivers, etc. to understand one's personal attachment style. We will examine patterns in current relationships, consider how to meet attachment needs and how the therapeutic relationship/attachment can support change.
Trauma Informed Care
Being a trauma informed therapist means understanding the impact that trauma can have on every aspect of one's functioning; from how we interact with others, to the world at large, how we feel and think about ourselves, and how our body feels and regulates. Trauma informed care goes at the client's pace to build safety and establish trust in order to care for the most vulnerable aspects of our human experience.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an empirically supported, psychotherapy treatment that is designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR supports nervous system regulation to promote the restoration of safety and emotional resiliency.
Polyvagal Therapy
Polyvagal informed therapy is focused on regulation of the nervous system; the system responsible for the functioning of all of our biological systems. When impacted by trauma, the nervous system can become locked in a stress response. Polyvagal informed therapy supports reestablishing safety and regulation in our nervous system to support the entire body to rest, digest and increase connection with others, oneself and the world at large.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Cultural sensitivity is imperative in the therapeutic relationship. Being respected and seen in the culture we belong to without judgement is critical for therapeutic safety, connection and healing. Furthermore, I hold awareness and sensitivity to understanding issues related to power, privilege and systematic injustices that impact our cultural experience and sense of belonging.