I am… passionate about providing a safe space for individuals and families to find their innate potential and achieve their dreams, regardless of gender, orientation, race, religion, neurotype or love-style. I feel called to help people find internal and external peace by living and loving more authentically. I believe… everyone is unique and has the potential to create the life of their dreams. I believe everyone is capable of love for their self and others. Everyone deserves empathy and support free of judgment. I believe diversity is a beautiful thing and should be celebrated. My experience… includes 11 years as a counselor, 43 years as a fat person, 31 years with chronic pain, 26 years practicing BDSM, 16 years loving polyamorously, and 13 years of gender exploration. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Kennesaw State University and my Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Argosy University (Atlanta). I received my LPC license in 2018 and my CPCS in 2020. I work primarily with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy utilizing Polyvagal Theory, increasing my clients’ psychological flexibility - contacting the present moment fully as a conscious human being and changing or persisting in behavior based on chosen values. I also incorporate Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory in both individual and relationship therapy. Our family experience greatly influences the way we relate with people in the present day. Understanding our most influential relationships can bring understanding and love for our self. In my work with relational trauma I love to incorporate Internal Family Systems and somatic exercises to heal the parts of us who were hurt or were created to protect us from harm.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
First session will include a review of confidentiality, practice policies, general get-to-know-you questions, and an opportunity to learn about me as a clinician.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I've been told by many that my relaxed, warm presence makes working with me really comfortable. I've also been described as a natural energy worker; clients bring their pain to my office and leave it here, it's not there anymore when they return. I'm gentle and validating when the emotions are heavy or overwhelming and not afraid to be direct or firm when the current spiral is more harmful than helpful.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I particularly enjoy long-term psychotherapy with clients who have developed an insecure attachment style and poor sense of self because unlearning societal restrictions, healing their trauma, and making a life and self that truly works for them is my greatest joy in life. I tend to collect clients who are particularly neurodivergent, LGBTQ, spiritual rather than religious, and looking for authentic connections in their lives and their hearts.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I base all of my work in a foundation of ACT, utilizing Polyvagal Theory, to increase my clients’ psychological flexibility - contacting the present moment fully as a conscious human being and changing or persisting in behavior based on chosen values.
Polyvagal Therapy
Polyvagal theory/therapy guides my clients in understanding their emotions and physiological symptoms in order to better understand what's going on in the present moment, how to identify their emotions, how to regulate their nervous system in order to make better informed decisions that align with their values.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I find that IFS is a helpful way for creative and complex clients to integrate polyvagal theory of stress responses with attachment theory in healing their relationship with their own knowing, feeling, self.
Gender-affirming therapy
I particularly love helping people transitioning from a conceptualized self based on societal and familial expectations to an idealized sense of self based on their true nature. We at Love Positive Counseling are passionate about helping transgender and gender nonconforming youth (13-26), adults and their families who are discovering their identity and individuality.
Attachment-based
I also incorporate Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory in both individual and relationship therapy. Our family experience greatly influences the way we relate with people in the present day. Understanding our most influential relationships can bring understanding and love for our self.