LCSW, 6 years of experience
Hello! I am a Queer-identified Neurodivergent Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work in psychodynamic, behavioral modification, somatic and mindfulness-based treatment modalities. I believe in being collaborative and adaptive to the needs of my clients. We all have different needs as humans and deserve a specifically curated therapy experience. I am a deeply inquisitive and active clinician and will absolutely not leave you sitting in awkward silence, unless that is what you are into. I specialize in treating and understanding: trauma, gender dysphoria and intersections with dysmorphia and eating disorders, ADHD, ASD, OCD, Personality Disorders, relationship concerns, gender identity exploration and needs for medical transition (such a letters of support), depression, anxiety, complicated bio-family dynamics, sexual trauma, sex therapy, grief/ loss, and substance use disorders. I am also kink and poly affirming. In my individual and couples work, I like to focus on histories of self and attachment as a lens to understanding patterns of conscious and unconscious conflict over time and in the present. As a former Literature and film academic, I also like to bring in helpful metaphors in art and media if that is of interest to my clients as well. Starting therapy is an incredibly brave endeavor and it is my ultimate goal to create as safe, helpful, and connective environment as possible.
In my first session I like to capture what life looks like now and some of what has happened in the past that influences present struggles. I also like to discuss big goals, both fun ambitious ones and ones centered around reducing suffering. My first sessions to not like an intense trauma interview going over every hard thing that has ever happened to you in one hour.
I am a very caring, thoughtful, and compassionate provider but I also have a sense of humor and believe in bringing "realness" to my work while also holding safe boundaries. I am very curious and ask lots of questions, so no long awkward silences. I like to bring in art, music, and film into my work when relevant which makes for a unique experience as well.
I love to work with queer folks neurodivgent folks, folks exploring their sexual or gender identity. Folks exploring poly or kink. Being a queer person in this world is tough and as a queer person I hope to provide care to other queer folks that feels like they are seen and heard by someone that understands aspects of their experience.
For the past 6 years I have used Attachment theory to help individuals and couples understand how their early and ongoing attachments affect how they participate in relationships (romantic, platonic, systemic, professional) today. I also help clients understand their specific attachment style and how that contributes to potentially maladaptive behaviors and distress. Finally I help clients use all of this to work towards health secure attachments.
I use ACT to help clients develop a relationships to their patterns of thought. This helps clients coping with negative behavior patterns, anxiety, low-self-worth, and depression. This is particularly helpful with clients experiencing OCD.
I've been practicing couples counseling with monogamous, poly, and open couples in the LGBTQ+ community for five years. I help clients work on numerous areas in their relationship including sex and intimacy, communication, joint executive function, life goals and much more.
I have been working with gender expansive and trans individuals for 9 years. I like to support clients in gender identity exploration, coming out, and medical and social transition.
I've been working with clients and trauma for five years. I like to use narrative therapy and mindfulness modalities. I also focus on parts work and self-parenting.