(she/her)
I specialize in helping individuals and couples understand how the past still may be influencing their present, how to release emotions and tension they may be storing in their bodies, how to stop self-sabotaging, and how to use and foster healthy and appropriate coping skills. I'm trained in several modalities I find helpful to do this, such as somatic therapy, attachment theory, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma therapy (specifically trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy or TF-CBT).
In the first session, we will heavily focus on establishing a connection with one another and building rapport. This will look like going over a brief history of your mental health, significant relationships and support systems in your life, what currently brings you to counseling, and what you're hoping to gain from counseling.
Unfortunately, "one size fits all" doesn't apply to therapy, and not every therapist is a perfect match. Because of this, I understand that therapy can be a vulnerable experience, and I work hard to be the supportive therapist I would also want for myself or my loved ones. It’s important for me to have open communication and build strong and adequate rapport with my clients before diving into heavy topics. Even if we don't connect or aren't a right fit, I hope to be able to provide resources for you to find a better match.
Yung Pueblo, a famous mental health writer and speaker says, "Personal transformation is not easy. Healing yourself takes time. Letting go can sometimes feel overwhelming. Building new habits can seem like an uphill battle. Even with all of these challenges, inner-work is worth it. This active form of self-love can radically change your life." Growth isn't just about being in full bloom; it's the process by which you get there... and how you continue to thrive after all the messiness from that growth. But often, we can't do this alone or without the right tools, support, and encouragement. That's what I'm here to help you with. I'm here to help you process through some of the messiest things we'll encounter, or are currently encountering in life. This may look like you wanting to processes through some deep rooted trauma from childhood, or struggling with a life transition such as a new career or big move, trying to improve healthy communication skills in your relationship, or trying to understand how to soothe your symptoms of anxiety (just to name a few!).
Other specialties
I identify as
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use ACT to help clients understand how to control the intensity by which symptoms will affect them.
Trauma Informed Care
I come from a strong trauma informed approach and use my knowledge of childhood trauma to understand how the past may come back to influence the present.
Somatic
The mind-body connection is one of the most important pieces of healing deeper rooted trauma; we hold a lot of this in our physical bodies. Somatic Therapy helps us to understand how to process trauma from a physical standpoint, as well.
Attachment-based
I love using attachment theory to help us understand relationships - whether familial, friendly, or romantic - and how relationships have influenced the way we see ourselves, other people, and the world around us.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I'm certified in TF-CBT and have used this method to help clients understand the complexities of traumatic experiences and to soothe symptoms of PTSD.