(she/her)
New to Grow
I am a certified CBT practitioner and clinically trained counselor; I help adults discover the connections between thoughts, feeling/emotions and behaviors and how these impact relationships and their personal satisfaction with life. I can help you increase your awareness of your thoughts, and challenge those that are harmful and/or outdated. Amending your thoughts will change your emotions and feeling different will result in changed behaviors. Thinking, feeling and acting differently leads to increased personal satisfaction in life and improved/healthier relationships. I have worked in mental health since 1997 and in private practice since 2007. My goal is for you to love your life, to feel safe and secure in your relationships, and to feel autonomous and comfortable in your own skin. I work with individuals as well as dyads, triads, throuples and polycules. I can help rebuild trust and intimacy even when there has been a history of infidelity/deceit, teach communication skills to improve relationship satisfaction and reduce arguments/resentments. I can help you develop and maintain healthy boundaries and protect your personal identity even while having a relationship identity such as husband, wife or metamour.
The initial session is predominately a gathering of a comprehensive biopsychsocial history for you, the client, a family history, medical and surgical history, any history of substance use or abuse, your presenting concerns and your goas for our work together. This information lays the foundation of treatment planning and session frequency.
I think my greatest strength is being described by many clients over the years as someone who is easy to talk to, makes them feel comfortable and does not pass judgment. Many years ago while I was still a graduate student I read a research paper that stated active listening is just as beneficial as any therapeutic modality in creating a strong alliance and positive client outcome. I have incorporated that idea into all my work and have decided even if the study is not correct or no longer valid being an active and attentive listener cannot harm the process of therapy for any client.
I work with adults 18 years of age and beyond. I work with individuals, couples, those practicing various forms of ethical non-monogamy and any adult who feels stuck or dissatisfied with life for any reason. My goal is to tailor sessions to each specific client or client group to reduce or eliminate, when possible, those challenges or obstacles that leave that person feeling like life has little joy, benefit or purpose. By reducing or eliminating those factors most clients experience a positive change in mood, energy level and overall satisfaction with their quality of life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I am a certified CBT therapist and use this modality to correct problematic thinking that results in feelings and behaviors impacting your daily life.