(she/her)
New to Grow
I am best described as a collaborative and client-centered clinician. I utilize compassion-centered approaches, incorporating education about the mind-body connection in our work. My goal is to integrate techniques to help you feel centered in your own body throughout our work together. While my approach is grounded in these techniques, we will work together to determine what works best for you.
Our first session will allow each of us to get to know each other. Initially, I'll gather information about what brings you to therapy and what you are hoping to accomplish. The first session feels different than any other session, and I'll gather a lot of information from you. If you are coming to therapy to talk about chronic pain or illness, I may ask questions about that as well. You can let me know if you aren't comfortable answering any questions. It's okay if you aren't ready to share certain information--we can talk about that. And, if you have questions, I'll do my best to answer them along the way.
I hope that others would describe me as empathetic, genuine and an attentive listener. I believe all of these things are integral to the therapeutic process and I strive to bring them to each session. I have experience in Pain Reprocessing Therapy for those navigating chronic pain. In addition, I have experience providing clinical support to caregivers who experience stressors unique to their role. In my work and personal life I have found humor can often be a helpful coping mechanism and technique to support the healing process.
The field of social work allows me to put the values of empathy and social justice into daily practice. As a clinician, my goal is to address individual pain as well as the systems that shape it. As a clinician, I strive to help individuals make intentional choices, build healthier connections, and live with greater clarity. For nearly 20 years, I worked in clinical and case management roles with individuals experiencing homelessness, who were also navigating mental health and substance abuse challenges. Currently, I work with adults managing a variety of life issues, including anxiety, trauma histories and mood disorders. I welcome work with seniors, caregivers, and those coping with chronic illness and/or pain.
Compassion Focused
My practice is grounded in compassion-centered techniques. Many of us develop adaptations and coping mechanisms to navigate a world that can be overwhelming, confusing, or even scary. These adaptations may serve us temporarily, but they can hinder us as we move through life. My goal is to help you understand and build compassion toward yourself while making intentional choices as you grow. Observing ourselves with curiosity, rather than judgement, can open a path which may have been previously obstructed.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Our minds and bodies, while distinct, are intertwined in ways that we have just started to explore; and we have just begun to integrate this in medical and mental health practice. While some spiritual traditions and philosophies have practiced these techniques for thousands of years, understanding the connection is very new in the Western world. I've found that building an understanding of this connection is highly valuable in addressing trauma in addition to many other mental health challenges.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I've found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to be especially helpful to those navigating anxiety and anxiety disorders. It can be very helpful in recognizing thought distortions and recognizing ways in which we judge ourselves and set ourselves up for failure.
Somatic
Anxiety, tension, and trauma are all held differently in our bodies. Identifying emotions, utilizing breathwork and increasing body awareness are all strategies that are available in treatment.