I want to help you live your best life. I practice a holistic approach to counseling and psychotherapy that embraces the well-being of the person or couple as a whole – mental, emotional, physical, cultural, sexual, and spiritual. We live in challenging times, and it’s often hard to know what to do in the face of adversity, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I believe in your ability to overcome life’s obstacles and create a life based on emotional stability and joy.
The first session is an opportunity for you to get a feel for me and to determine if you feel like I am someone you can trust and who can help you. There will be some 'housekeeping' items to go over first, such as making sure all paperwork is done and covering any possible questions you may have about the process. Then, I will provide you with a safe environment in which to share what brought you to therapy and to explore your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Lastly, we'll discuss goals and what you would like to get out of therapy.
I embrace people from all walks of life with unconditional acceptance and without judgment. You are a unique individual with experiences specific to you alone. I affirm that everyone has a right to live a healthy, authentic life that is free from judgment and shame. This may include encouraging, supporting, teaching, confronting, and possibly even calling you out on your ‘bull’ if necessary.
I work with adults and couples with issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, gender identity, grief, and marital/relationship strife. I believe my clients have the answers they are seeking within them, but they are struggling to find them; that is where I can help.
There is no one specific modality that can accommodate every client's situation. Generally speaking, I start with CBT because it paints with a very broad brush and is efficacious for a variety of issues. Once I get to know my client better, I will assess what other modalities may be useful.
For couples counseling, I utilize the Gottman method and Imago. I am currently am in training to become Gottman certified.
EMDR is an evidence-based treatment designed to help clients reprocess memories by changing the neural pathways where those memories are stored in the brain. EMDR is most often thought of as a treatment for PTSD but has been found effective for many other issues as well.