New to Grow
It's normal to feel lost, we are after all, human. My goal is to provide you with a space where you can truly be yourself - no matter what that looks like. If you're looking for a therapeutic experience that's a little quirky, compassionate, light-hearted and inclusive and supportive of all, you've come to the right place. As a queer, neurodivergent human, I know what it's like to search for a therapist who can relate to lived experiences - connection is the foundation of any relationship, especially a therapeutic one. I'm a human that believes all humans deserve to be seen, heard, respected, cared for, and given a safe space to grow. Laughter is a must (when you're ready), expression through art is encouraged, and trivia about video games is welcomed. I can't wait to meet you, hear your story, and support you on this wild ride we call life.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In your first session, we're going to get to know each other. I'll have some specific questions to ask and we'll set some goals, but other than that, the session is yours to explore what you want. We'll chat about what makes you happy, hobbies - what therapeutic skills you already have, what you're looking to obtain on this therapeutic quest. Previous therapist? Let's talk about what you liked and didn't, how can I tailor this experience to you? What is certain is you will feel safe, cared for, and supported.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I'm a human and I'm authentic. Working with me means a real experience of thoughts and feelings. I'm not here to hide behind a notebook nodding and jotting things down. I'm in the trenches with you. Therapy is not easy, and, I'm here on this journey with you - not watching from a distance. Spill the tea - I promise there's therapy in that.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Before I get into specializations, and make you think you don't have a space here, you do. My specializations exist to help those struggling with specific issues. Just because you aren't experiencing these things, doesn't mean I'm not here to help. I am well versed in many topics including trauma, anxiety, transitional periods in life, working with college age humans and all the experiences that come along with entering adult-hood. Struggling with relationships (friends, family, romantic), I can help with that too! I specialize in the treatment and management of eating disorders and disordered eating. If you're struggling with your relationship with food, your body, or yourself as a whole, you've come to the right place. I practice through a health at every size (HAES) lens - this means no discrimination, no fatphobia and stigma, no BMI, no weigh ins. I believe in intuitive eating and an all foods fit model, and I am anti-diet culture. I'm here to help you feel a sense of neutrality with your body, comfort and enjoyment with food, and also rebel against societal demands that are harmful and unrealistic. I also provide gender affirming care and inclusive support for humans who are moving through the ebb and flow of exploring your identity and sexuality. As a member of the queer community, representation, visibility and relatability are important when choosing a therapist. When working with me, show up as you are, and whoever that is, will be supported and cared for. I'm trained in EMDR for those of you seeking a new way to process trauma outside of talk therapy. I am a trauma-informed therapist which means I'm following your lead. Not ready to talk about something? That's okay. Need to pause and talk about something completely unrelated? You got it. I also believe in explaining the processes I use and why I think they will be helpful in your treatment. You'll know all the details before we hop into something and we won't engage in something if you don't want to.
Compassion Focused
Here to create a safe, non-judgmental, supportive space. No matter what comes up, I'm here to hold space so you can be less critical of yourself. You're a human, and sometimes that's hard.
Trauma Informed Care
You're in charge. You decide what we focus on and when. Not ready to talk about it? That's okay. You'll be informed every step of the way about treatment, how it works, and why I think it's beneficial. We're equals in this setting, and I want you to feel comfortable when working with me.
EMDR
Using various forms of bilateral stimulation, we will work together to process traumatic experiences to decrease symptoms that may be impacting your daily life.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Here to be the most authentic, supportive, and non-judgmental therapist I can be. My hope and goal is that you feel comfortable, safe, supported, and respected in our sessions. We're also a team, so if I challenge you, you can challenge me back. Something not working? Tell me. Something you didn't like? Tell me. I will always be open to feedback and be accountable.
Gender-affirming therapy
Struggling with your identity isn't easy. I often hear ,"Yeah but I'm not _____ enough to present like that or use those pronouns." Identity is not a box, humans don't belong in boxes (unless you like them and I'm here to support that too). Everything humans are, exists on a spectrum and no two humans are alike. I'm here to validate you and support you. In need of a letter for HRT or other forms of gender-affirming care? I can do that. Need connections to communities or safe providers? I can do that too.