New to Grow
Hi! My name is Mila. I'm a Licensed Therapist and a Licensed Advanced Addiction Counselor with over 10 years of experience in the field. I completed my studies in Addiction Treatment in 2014, followed by graduate studies in Psychotherapy. My experience includes working with individuals and families to overcome mental health struggles, addictions, trauma-related disorders, and relational issues. My practice is grounded in integrated, experiential, and evidence-based interventions. I utilize an integrated approach of somatic, trauma-informed, and cognitive methods. By addressing the underlying causes of your pain and using effective strategies for healing, you will be empowered to step beyond your current limitations. My education and professional expertise rests on a backbone of a personal journey of healing. I deeply understand the challenges on the road to recovery and can help you navigate them. I approach therapy from a holistic model, with an emphasis on all aspects of your wellbeing. Together, we'll explore the root causes of your difficulties and develop personalized strategies for lasting change.
In our first session - we will complete a thorough assessment, looking at your current challenges in the greater context of your life. We will sketch a draft of your story, which will come to life more with each session as we fill in the different parts. As we move forward in our first few sessions, we will zoom out from the initial concern into the greater context of your life experience - helping you to gain a different angle and perspective. There is no cookie cutter approach, which is why I integrate effective cognitive, somatic, and mindful practices into one. Whichever modality ends up being more effective for your specific style of learning and gaining insight - we will lean into this to make headway on your challenges. Together, we will create a personalized treatment plan and work towards the goals you set for yourself.
My approach is direct and result-oriented, emphasizing solutions over symptom relief. I utilize a combinational approach of cognitive, somatic, and experiential interventions. I am direct, honest, and authentic in my work, blending compassion with the boldness needed to spark real change. I believe effective therapy happens when we cut through the surface and get to the core of your experience. And because I’m committed to your growth, I won't hesitate to provide a gentle, purposeful challenge when it serves your best interest. If you’re looking for a therapist who is direct and proactive, someone who doesn't just nod and listen, but helps you untangle the 'why' behind the 'how' - this will likely be a good fit.
My clients often seek support for chronic anxiety, PTSD and trauma-recovery, addiction, and depression. Some enter therapy to work on improving self-esteem, fostering resilience, or addressing relationship concerns. Whether you’re navigating a high-stakes career, complex relationship dynamics, or the constant 'background noise' of anxiety - therapy is a powerful tool that can bring about profound change and alter your relationship with life. My clients describe me as collaborative, empowering, and intuitive, blending compassion with the directness needed to spark real change. I believe effective therapy happens when we cut through the surface and get to the core of your experience. And because I’m committed to your growth, I won't hesitate to provide a gentle, purposeful challenge when it serves your best interest. If you’re looking for a therapist who is direct and proactive, someone who doesn't just nod and listen, but helps you untangle the 'why' behind the 'how' - this will likely be a good fit. We will begin with a thorough assessment and create a personalized treatment plan. My practice is based in integrated, experiential, and evidence-based interventions. I utilize somatic, trauma-informed, cognitive approaches. By addressing the underlying causes of your pain and using effective strategies for healing you will be empowered to step out of the these limiting cycles of the past. Therapy is an interactive experience of growth, and I emphasize lasting solutions over symptom relief.
Somatic
Emotional distress—like trauma, anxiety, and depression doesn't always begin with a thought, but often with a physical sensation. Have you ever felt a knot in your stomach before your brain even started spinning anxious stories? That is your body holding onto unresolved emotional energy. In our work together, we move beyond "talking through" your pain. Because we cannot simply "think" our way out of deep-seated pain, my practice focuses on getting out of the mind and into the body. Here is how we use Somatic Therapy to help you improve your mental wellbeing: Targeting the Root: We treat symptoms like self-criticism and negative cycles by addressing the physical "stuck" emotions at the source. Releasing Trapped Emotions: We use specific techniques to help your body experience and release blocked trauma, helping you break free from chronic tension, fatigue, or anxieties. Regulating Your Nervous System: You will learn to move through intense emotions without becoming overwhelmed, restoring your body’s natural ability to relax and find balance. Building Resilience: By strengthening your mind-body connection, you gain the tools to identify triggers and manage stress.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma is deeply personal and leaves a unique imprint on those who experience it, often distorting the way they perceive the world, others, and themselves. I utilize Trauma-Focused CBT to help clients reshape the painful, unhelpful narratives and beliefs that often form as the result of traumatic experiences. While somatic work addresses the body, TF-CBT provides a structured, research-based framework to address the specific cognitions and belief systems that reinforce emotional pain By addressing the root of your distress, we work to clear the symptoms that impact your daily life—from chronic worry and irritability to feelings of guilt or detachment. This approach empowers you to: Reframe Negative Beliefs: Challenge the distorted views of yourself, your relationships, and the world. Identify Triggers: Gain a clear understanding of how past experiences influence your current reactions. Develop Mastery: Acquire practical coping skills to manage stressors and reduce hyper-sensitivity. Restore Balance: Move from a state of perpetual survival into a life characterized by self-compassion and emotional presence. Together, we coordinate the healing of both mind and system, ensuring your thoughts and your nervous system begin working for you, rather than against you.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is based on the understanding that while we cannot always eliminate the presence of painful emotions or memories, we can change the power they hold over our lives. I use this modality with clients looking to reduce chronic anxiety, improve ability to cope with change, and increase stress resilience. Rather than struggling to suppress or fix your internal distress, this approach focuses on developing psychological flexibility. We will work together to help you: Foster Mindfulness: Learn to observe your thoughts and feelings without becoming consumed by them. Practice Acceptance: Create space for difficult experiences, allowing them to exist without letting them dictate your actions or your identity. Clarify Your Values: Identify what truly matters to you, whether in your relationships, career, or personal growth, and beyond the influence of trauma or anxiety. Commit to Action: Build a life of purpose by taking small, consistent steps toward your values, even in the presence of discomfort. By shifting the focus from fighting your symptoms to living a meaningful life, we will use ACT to help you move from a state of avoidance and emotional struggle into one of presence and intentional action.