LMHC, 5 years of experience
I am a therapist specializing in trauma, anxiety, and the LGBTQIA+ community. I am passionate about helping people heal from past experiences and live full, authentic lives. I studied at Lesley University and obtained a degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Sylvotherapy Practitioner. I have a holistic approach that integrates humanistic approaches, expressive arts and embodied healing. I believe that the whole person is important and that healing can take place on many levels. I use a variety of techniques to help clients explore their thoughts and feelings, and to find ways to express themselves creatively and connect with their bodies. I believe that everyone has the capacity for healing and that my role is to provide a safe and supportive space.
In our first session together we will talk about your current symptoms and struggles, as well as review any supports and coping skills you already have. We will do a brief history of your mental health and family and put together a plan for our sessions together. If there is immediate need, i will offer you some coping skills and resources so you can start your healing journey right away.
Some of my areas of strength include: Empathy: I am able to understand and share your feelings, even if I have not experienced them myself. I am able to do this through active listening, reflective listening, and paraphrasing. Cultural Competency: I am aware of and sensitive to the cultural differences that may impact your healing process. I am able to do this by understanding the client's cultural background and beliefs, being curious about each person’s unique experience, and being respectful of the client's culture. Understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues: I am knowledgeable about the unique challenges and experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals, having had experience with it myself as well as having served the LGBTQIA+ community for the duration of my career. Approaching treatment from a trauma-informed place: I understand that trauma can have a profound impact on a person's life, and I am trained to provide trauma-informed care. I am able to do this by understanding the effects of trauma, and by providing a safe and supportive environment for the client to heal while understanding that everyone’s process will look different and healing will progress on your own time. Working with the client to establish creative and personalized tools for healing: I believe that each person's healing journey is unique, and I am here to support you in finding what works best for you. I am able to do this by providing clients with a variety of tools and resources that include their special interests, and by helping the client to develop a personalized healing plan.
I work best with clients experiencing lasting or immediate effects from trauma, difficulties with anxiety, struggles with identity, and those looking for a creative and embodied approach. Clients who are creative and struggle to express with words
I prefer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy because in many cases of trauma and anxiety, the negative thoughts stem from a real experience. Rather than dismissing the thought, we learn to accept it , reframing it for the present moment, and understand the emotions behind it.
As a Dance/Movement Therapist I use somatic methods to help my clients get in tune with their body to allow for processing of emotions and building a toolbox of body-based coping skills.
Trauma informed Care involves meeting the client where they are at and understanding the difficulty and time it takes to heal and recover from trauma. Certain phrases are not used to avoid placing any blame on the client for their experiences. This method is a vital part of my practice.