New to Grow
I believe that we heal and grow together. What brings us together? With therapy, it starts when you decide you want support because of how you are feeling, changes you want to make, circumstances you face, problems in relationships, or losses you grieve. Maybe you are feeling sad, anxious, distracted or stuck. Maybe old coping patterns are causing new problems. Maybe you are burned out from work, care-giving, activism or oppression. Maybe you need more support. I have over twenty years experience helping people cope with with stress, trauma, grief, panic, anxiety, depression, relationships, neurodivergence and TBI. I work with evidence-based trauma recovery interventions (including EMDR for processing and DBT for coping), Radical Therapy (internalized oppression and power in relationships) and Contemplative Psychotherapy (mindfulness and self compassion). As a cis gender, white woman, I work intentionally to be mindful of my privilege so we can create a safe space for your therapy. Therapy happens in a space we build together to support your growth--a space for new understanding, new experiences and healing. Let’s talk.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I begin by offering my non-judgemental presence, curiosity and attention to understanding your strengths and concerns. Together, we can begin to explore your inner experience and the outer circumstances of your life, identity, history, work and relationships. As we get to know each other, we will identify goals for our work together. Often I will provide some tools, like grounding, that we can try out together and you can use during the week.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My style is warm, authentic and collaborative. I am experienced and curious. Depending on your goals, we can focus on coping. We can work through past events that feel very present. We can attend to the sharp voice of the inner critic and the burdens of internalized oppression and shame. We can explore mindfulness, self-compassion and your relationship with yourself. I ground our work in your goals and values, which allows us to track what's changing and what needs attention.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work with adults who are survivors of trauma and loss, parents, people working on their relationships/friendships, career issues and others facing transitions. I have experience working with providers, activists, people with neurodivergence/learning differences and TBI, people looking at their substance use, LGBTQ+ and people of all genders, races and nationalities. I do not provide couples therapy.
Trauma Informed Care
I utilize a phase approach to treating trauma and loss. To establish safety, we often begin with psycho education about our emotions and responses. I introduce tools for managing overwhelming feelings or numbness so you can more fully inhabit your life. Some clients benefit from re-processing trauma in the safety of the therapy relationship with EMDR, exposure or narrative modalities. Because interpersonal trauma can deeply impact relationships with others, interventions to support healthy relationships and boundaries are often part of trauma recovery.
EMDR
Negative past experiences can live on in our thoughts , bodies and emotions. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence based therapy that helps your mind and body integrate and heal in a safe and collaborative way. EMDR is effective for trauma, anxiety, grief, depression and phobias. It is also used to develop inner resources and strengths that suppport positive change.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Many of us are plagued by an inner critic and other hidden parts that keep us stuck, parts of us who once tried to keep us safe but have outlived their usefulness. By slowing down and introducing mindfulness, we can meet these parts with clarity and care. We can learn to approach difficult emotions, like shame, with kindness. By nurturing your relationship with yourself, you can discover greater capacity for flexibility and connection with others.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have helped many clients understand and manage their emotions with CBT and DBT. Increasing awareness of our emotions and thoughts can provide us with more options in our responses. Behavioral interventions and experiments can loosen the rigidity of trauma, depression and anxiety. Skills and insights gained through CBT can support you to cope and make positive changes throughout your life.