LCSW, 25 years of experience
Are you struggling to find a therapist that fits your unique needs? Do you feel unheard? If so, we might be a good fit. I work collaboratively with clients to work together toward the treatment goals that you find important. I practice in a non-judgemental manner and embrace starting "where the client is". Connection, rapport, and the ability to feel comfortable are part of our work together. I hope that clients feel my acceptance and connection from the first interaction. Working together, we set up mutually agreed-upon goals to work together on your unique needs. We work day to day to help improve the quality and authenticity of your life's work, relationships, past, and current/future goals. I have a range of "tools in my toolbox" since treatment is not one size fits all. You are the guide to have the ultimate choice for what is working in our treatment together and what can be improved upon. It is my job to listen and to assist in your therapy success.
In our first session, we work together to write your treatment plan focused on the goals that you find important for your life. We also discuss what therapy looks like for client and provider expectations. In addition, we get to know each other by building rapport.
I have worked extensively with Trauma Disorders since 1999 in the areas of Sexual Assault, Childhood Abuse, Intimate Partner violence. For some, the childhood impacts our ability to connect with others today and if this is the case, I am well seasoned to assist you with these areas. I also have worked with Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Neuro-Cognitive Disorders (ADHD, Autism), and Mood Disorders such as Bipolar along with psychotic features. I am affirming and supporting of those in the LGBTQIA community or those that have experienced spiritual trauma in their past.
PTSD/Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Gender Related Concerns, ADHD, Autism (adults)
I use a variety of modalities to help focus on client centered care. I use polyvagal theory to assist client systems in learning ways to help calm their brain and body after trauma to move from flight/flight/freeze/faun to a state of regulation. This can involve using body based methods such as break work, meditation, and movement to help in finding what works best for you system.
DBT can be helpful for a variety of client concerns to examine mindfulness, rational thinking, and use of wise mind techniques.
IFS can be helpful in examining the parts of ourselves and ways to love and accept our whole self.
Somatic methods such as yoga, stretching, and fascia rolling are helpful additions to other “thinking” based modalities to connect body and brain together to move toward healing.
I use an overall frame of trauma informed care as most client systems have experiences either Big T’s or little t’s throughout their lives.