New to Grow
I'm excited to help clients who are navigating life transitions or family of origin issues; are working through trauma or substance use concerns; or who are trying to figure out what is going on in their relationships. These are folks who have a genuine desire to improve their day-to-day life and are willing to face the "icky" stuff - they just need some skills, resources, or a new perspective to help them gain momentum. My professional interests include supporting Veterans; anyone with relationship concerns; people navigating life transitions or family of origin issues; or those with trauma disorders or substance use concerns. I offer a number of evidence based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness based therapy, EMDR, and an eclectic approach. My approach is person-centered: I believe you, the client, are the authority and expert on your life, and I am here to offer tools, skills, or resources to support your journey. The best therapy happens when you know you can show up as your authentic self, be respected and understood, and have your success celebrated!
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I appreciate a first session that is relaxed and lets us warm up to each other. I like learning about you, to whatever extent you're willing to share, and what you'd like to get out of therapy. I prefer to listen a lot during our first session, but I also invite you to ask me whatever questions you might have.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I really appreciate authenticity - I never want a client to feel like they just spent an hour with a robot or with a movie version of a therapist. I think when we feel comfortable to show up as our true selves in therapy, whatever modality we choose to use will be much more effective. The modalities I typically use include compassion-focused and mindfulness therapies, EMDR, and an overall eclectic approach, but I think the relationship between client and therapist is more important than all of that. Most of my clients start to feel a difference in the first month or two.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work with clients who may be concerned about their use of substances, their reactions to traumatic events, or complicated relationship issues with partners or family. I also have special experience and training working with Veterans and their unique concerns. Most clients start seeing positive change in the first few months, but there's never pressure to move quickly. You set the pace!
EMDR
I received full training in EMDR through EMDRIA. I find EMDR a really effective way of supporting folks in working through the effects of trauma.
Motivational Interviewing
I received training and six months of consultation in motivational interviewing with a MINT trainer. Motivational interviewing is so helpful in aiding you in clarifying your goals and how to best move toward them, particularly when making a change feels next to impossible.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I am trained in mindfulness-based therapies including MBRP. I think mindfulness interventions can be very helpful in promoting coping abilities, clarifying perspectives, and getting a better idea of the messages that our thoughts might be sending us.