(she/her)
NOTE: My specialty is working with queer and trans disabled adults. Due to my limited availability, I am only working with that population at this time. Thank you for understanding. My work is dedicated to creating a safe, affirming space where you can explore your identity, experiences, and relationships without judgment. I focus on understanding each individual's background, needs, and goals, using this insight to foster self-awareness, growth, and resilience. Through our collaborative therapeutic relationship, we'll work to uncover and address the unconscious patterns and societal influences that shape your behaviors and feelings, empowering you to navigate life with confidence and authenticity. Whether you're dealing with issues related to identity, disability, relationships, or cultural pressures, my goal is to support you in living a more fulfilled and authentic life. I aim to make a positive impact by helping you develop a stronger sense of self, enhance your relationships, and embrace your personal journey with empowerment and clarity.
During your first session with me, you can anticipate an experience that sets the foundation for our therapeutic journey together. This initial meeting is a crucial time for us to begin understanding each other and to establish the groundwork for a relationship built on trust, respect, and mutual commitment. We will start with an in-depth intake process. This isn’t just about filling out forms and checking boxes; it’s an opportunity for you to share your story, your challenges, and your aspirations. I want to hear about the paths you’ve been on—both those that have led you to seek therapy and those you aspire to journey down. This part of the session is about giving voice to your experiences, particularly how they relate to your identities as a queer, trans, or disabled individual. It's important for me to understand the nuances of your life, as these details will guide our work together. As we discuss your history, we'll also begin to explore what you hope to achieve through therapy. Whether you’re seeking to heal from past trauma, improve your relationships, or find greater self-acceptance, we will define these goals together. This collaborative goal-setting is not about me prescribing what I think you need; rather, it's about us working side by side to clarify and prioritize your objectives, ensuring they are both meaningful and achievable. In this first session, you can also expect to learn more about how I work. I’ll explain the approaches I use—like psychodynamic and relational therapy—and how they might be beneficial in your specific context. We'll discuss how these methods can help us understand the patterns in your life, and how they relate to your current challenges. The first session is just the beginning of our dialogue. As we progress, our discussions will deepen, and the therapeutic strategies will evolve based on your needs and feedback. Therapy is a dynamic and responsive process, and I am committed to adapting our sessions as we go along to best support your growth and well-being. My hope is that you'll leave the first session with a clearer understanding of the therapy process, what to expect in future sessions, and a sense of being heard and understood. This is a place where you can be your authentic self, explore your thoughts and feelings, and start working toward the changes you want to see in your life.
My greatest strengths as a provider stem from a combination of professional expertise and deeply personal insights into the communities I serve. What makes my practice unique is not just my ability to apply therapeutic techniques effectively but my lived experience as a queer, disabled, cis woman of white and indigenous descent. This blend of professional and personal knowledge provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by queer and trans disabled individuals, setting a foundation for empathy and genuine connection in my therapeutic relationships. One of my key strengths is my ability to create a truly inclusive and supportive environment. I recognize that each client brings a unique set of experiences and needs to the therapy room. My approach is to meet each person where they are, validating their feelings and experiences without imposing my own interpretations or solutions prematurely. This sensitivity to the individual’s perspective is crucial for fostering trust and openness in the therapeutic relationship. Moreover, my commitment to continuous learning and professional development ensures that my therapeutic methods are both current and culturally competent. This commitment is vital in a field where societal understandings and norms are constantly evolving, particularly regarding gender, sexuality, and disability. My work is also characterized by a strong foundation in disability justice, which ensures that the therapy I provide is not only accessible but also affirmatively recognizes the strengths and challenges specific to disabled individuals. This perspective is critical in helping clients navigate not just personal issues but also the societal barriers they face. The combination of these professional skills and personal attributes makes me uniquely equipped to serve my clients effectively. My understanding of the intersectionality of identities, coupled with a compassionate, empathetic approach, enables me to connect with and support my clients in ways that are both healing and empowering.
As a queer or trans disabled adult, you may find yourself navigating the intersections of various identities, feeling the weight of societal expectations and the complexity of your personal experiences. As someone who identifies as queer, trans, or disabled, you might often encounter therapists who don't fully grasp the depth of your life's nuances or who fail to recognize the full spectrum of your needs. If you’re seeking a therapist who not only understands but lives some of these realities, you’ve found a space designed with you in mind. What might bring you to therapy? Perhaps you’re struggling with acceptance, both internally and from the world around you. Maybe you're grappling with relationships that are strained by the misunderstandings of your identity or disabilities. You could be facing barriers to expressing your true self freely or dealing with the effects of past trauma that seems intertwined with your daily experiences. Or, you might simply be seeking strategies to cope with the daily stresses that come with navigating a world that often feels unprepared and unreceptive to people like us. My dream clients are individuals who are ready to dive deep into the work of understanding themselves better. You value a therapeutic relationship that is built on mutual respect, empathy, and a shared understanding of what it means to be marginalized. You are looking for more than coping strategies; you seek transformation through an exploration of identity, self-worth, and systemic challenges. In our sessions, we will use psychodynamic and relational therapies, enriched by an understanding of feminist and culturally sensitive issues. This means we’ll look at how your past relationships and environments influence your current feelings and behaviors. We will explore the roles of power dynamics, cultural expectations, and gender norms in shaping your experiences. Our work will also be deeply informed by principles of disability justice, ensuring that the therapy process is not only accessible but also affirmatively recognizes the particular challenges and strengths you bring as a disabled person. Together, we will create a space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings safely and freely—a space where humor can be a tool for healing and where your complexities are not just recognized but celebrated. Our goal is to help you develop a healthier, more integrated sense of self, forge more fulfilling relationships, and feel empowered to live authentic
Psychodynamic
In my therapy practice, I use the psychodynamic approach to help queer and trans disabled adults explore the unconscious processes that shape their thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. This method allows us to delve into early life experiences and past relationships to uncover patterns that may be influencing current mental health challenges and interpersonal dynamics. By understanding these deeper emotional undercurrents, clients can gain insight into their actions and feelings, leading to more authentic self-expression and healthier ways of relating to others.
Relational
In my practice, I employ a relational approach to therapy, focusing on the significance of interpersonal relationships and the therapeutic relationship itself. This method emphasizes the co-creation of a therapeutic space where both therapist and client actively engage in the healing process. By exploring how clients relate to others and themselves, we can identify patterns of interaction that may be reinforcing distress or dysfunction.
Feminist
In therapy, I incorporate a feminist approach, which emphasizes understanding power dynamics, societal constructs, and gender roles that impact an individual's life experiences and mental health. This perspective allows us to challenge and deconstruct societal expectations, fostering greater self-awareness and empowerment.
Gender-affirming therapy
In gender-affirming therapy, I focus on supporting and validating each client’s gender identity, which is crucial for building self-esteem and reducing gender dysphoria. This approach promotes a therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their gender without judgment, facilitating personal growth and transition-related decisions.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
In culturally sensitive therapy, I prioritize understanding and respecting each client’s cultural background and its influence on their identity and experiences. This approach ensures that therapy is tailored to acknowledge and incorporate the values, beliefs, and societal norms that shape an individual's worldview and coping mechanisms.