LCSW, 5 years of experience
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My primary specialty is providing both individual and couples counseling to members of the LGBTQ+ population. I offer sexuality and gender-affirming care, sex therapy, and polyamory counseling. I also specialize in working with clients of all ages who suffer from complex trauma and PTSD. In addition, I have expertise in working with children and adults with brain-based differences such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), and other conditions of neurodiversity. I provide education and support to caregivers raising children with these challenges, as well as empowering individuals who live with these disorders to reach their full potential.
In our first session, we'll start with brief introductions and expand on the challenges that bring you to therapy. Together, we will create goals for treatment and a plan of action to begin working on in follow-up sessions.
I will work to meet you where you're at on your growth path. This means that we will examine what has happened in the past that led to current events, and use a solution focused, strengths-based approach to navigating a path forward that feels good to you. My approach is always trauma-informed and inclusive, and I consider myself as a guide on your journey.
I love working with individuals who are ready to make change in their life. My clients understand that this takes work and commitment to personal growth. Together, we create a personalized roadmap to help them achieve their goals, and feel better.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an integral part of the therapeutic work that I do. It helps acknowledge how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Once you have that understanding, you can begin to challenge unhelpful patterns that influence your life path, and sets the foundation for positive change.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the effects of early trauma in a sensitive way. The treatment is particularly effective for those experiencing post-traumatic stress and mood disorders resulting from sexual abuse, physical abuse, violence, or grief. TF-CBT is a wholistic program for children, adolescents, and in some cases adults who are suffering long term effects of adverse early life experiences.
Gender-affirming therapy is a therapeutic stance I use that focuses on affirming a patient’s gender identity and does not try to “repair” it. This includes space for processing and understanding, linking to necessary support systems, creating a safe zone, allowing for diversity, and reflection and empathy by the therapist.
Psychoeducation is the process of providing education and information to those seeking or receiving mental health services. I use this in my practice as a strong component of therapy. I believe that my clients will be more engaged and motivated if they better understand their experiences, allowing them to make clear connections between their own symptoms and the therapeutic approaches incorporated into the treatment.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a structured therapeutic program that has a strong educational component designed to provide skills for managing intense emotions and increasing interpersonal skills. Originally developed to curb the self-destructive impulses of chronically suicidal patients, it is also the treatment of choice for borderline personality disorder, PTSD, emotion dysregulation, and a growing array of psychiatric conditions. I use DBT with my clients as a way to acknowledge the need for change by learning acceptance of situations, emotional regulation skills, and effective communication with others to enhance your quality of life.