(she/her)
As a trauma-informed and trauma-focused therapist, I have dedicated my academic and professional career to understanding how life experiences shape both our conscious and unconscious processes. Through my doctoral training, I expanded my research on trauma-focused treatment in virtual care settings, while also deepening my understanding of the biological and psychological foundations of trauma. This integrative approach supports a comprehensive mind-body perspective in psychotherapy, allowing for more holistic and effective healing.
During our first session, I aim to clearly explain the services I offer and address any questions you may have about the structure of our sessions, treatment goals, documentation, confidentiality, and my role in your mental health journey. My goal is to collaboratively review your reasons for seeking therapy, discuss your hopes and expectations, and begin shaping a treatment plan that aligns with your needs—establishing a clear direction for our work together.
Therapists bring unique perspectives and strategies to their work, and I strive to create a space that is friendly, comfortable, honest, and welcoming. I want my clients to feel safe—to share openly, to cry, and even to laugh. While therapy can be serious and deeply reflective, but also engaging, curious, and peaceful. I integrate both holistic and scientific approaches into my practice, drawing on current, evidence-based research to support treatment and to explain the physical responses often tied to mental health. I also incorporate somatic and mindfulness-based techniques to strengthen the mind-body connection and enhance overall emotional well-being.
I have continually expanded my practice and areas of specialization to best meet the unique needs of each client, regardless of life experience or diagnosis. My professional journey began in mental health over a decade ago, with ten years of experience providing trauma-informed care to children, adolescents, and young adults within child welfare settings. Over time, I transitioned to working with adults and furthered my training to support clients across the lifespan, including older adults. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings—outpatient, inpatient, in-person, and virtual—and bring extensive experience in individual therapy. Additionally, I offer family therapy and have pursued advanced training to support couples in navigating relational challenges. My ideal client would be someone ready to learn about themselves, open to evolving and building a therapeutic alliance. Mental health care should not cause mental health problems, and I endeavor to provide support and compassion in all levels of services and interventions needed to help my clients meet their goals.
In my therapy practice, I integrate Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) as a somatic and cognitive intervention to help clients process emotional distress, reduce anxiety, and release limiting beliefs. By guiding clients through somatic intervention skill supports, while also focusing on emotionally charged memories or current challenges, EFT supports emotional regulation and nervous system calming. This evidence-informed approach complements traditional talk therapy and empowers clients with a practical tool for self-soothing and long-term emotional resilience. I also incorporate psychodynamic, trauma-informed care, and attachment-based theories throughout the implementation of this intervention to aid in a deeper reflection to conscious and unconscious insights to facilitate the most impactful treatment.
In my therapy work, I incorporate Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients explore and understand the different "parts" of themselves—such as inner critics, protectors, or exiled parts—that influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By fostering curiosity and compassion toward these internal parts, IFS supports deeper self-awareness and healing. This approach empowers clients to access their core Self, create inner harmony, and address the root causes of emotional distress with greater clarity and compassion. I also incorporate multiple theoretical perspectives within this intervention to support an expansive and empathetic trauma reflection within treatment.
In my therapy practice, I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients build psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than avoid them. Through mindfulness, values clarification, and committed action, clients develop tools to navigate life’s challenges while staying connected to what truly matters. ACT supports meaningful behavior change and empowers clients to live more fully, even in the presence of discomfort or uncertainty.
In my therapy services, I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients in developing insight and skills to effective emotional intelligence and mood regulation support. DBT provides a structured, skills-based approach that helps clients manage intense emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and improve relationships. By balancing acceptance and change, DBT empowers clients to build a more stable and fulfilling life, especially when facing challenges like mood disorders, anxiety, or trauma-related symptoms.
I offer couples counseling with intervention focus utilizing the Gottman Methods, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and Motivational interviewing (MI) strategies to aid in support a health relationship. These interventions are incorporated in a person-centered and uniquely shaped focused to the couple within the therapeutic environment, working as a team with the couple to identify barriers in connection and strategies to increase positive communication and connection.