LCSW, 11 years of experience
New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I love supporting folks in their healing journey. I've been a therapist to adults 18 and older since 2014. My preference is for meeting clients in person, though also meet virtually when that makes sense. I have a big heart for social justice concerns and bring that energy to my work. Personally, I'm a lover of music and sing with CHARIS, the St. Louis Women's Chorus.
Our initial session is an opportunity for me to listen to you, and to begin getting a glimpse of the concerns you're experiencing. We will take our time, and you'll share what you're able to. It's helpful for me to hear a little of your background and some of what has influenced your life. I'll share a little about myself and address any questions you may have.
I bring a great deal of patience, an open heart and genuine curiosity to my work with clients. My approach is in assisting you to also become genuinely curious about the challenges troubling you, to gently explore what may lie beneath some of the pain, addiction, abuse, trauma, physical pain and emotional struggles you've been dealing with. My preferred approach is Internal Family Systems and every day I witness clients learning how to face their pain and really explore possibilities for long-term healing and relief. I guide them in session, offering questions which allow for deeper learning and eventually, release. They learn how to apply this approach themselves to continue their exploration between sessions.
My ideal client is someone who's ready to bring openness and curiosity toward what is troubling them in life. It could be anxiety, overwhelm, physical or emotional pain, grief, childhood trauma, relationship concerns, or other life stressors. Perhaps you're experiencing a mixture of such challenges, as is quite normal. Perhaps you've pondered addressing them and now feel ready to slow things down internally to really listen to all that mental chatter, to notice your troubled emotions, to explore a past history of abuse or trauma. It's all terribly important to your life, and exploring such material with openness and curiosity can open you to the healing and compassion you're greatly desiring and deserving of. I am here to journey with you, to guide you with patience, care and gentle persistence. You will learn that your needs are normal and so deserving of your care.
I use IFS to help you become curious about your concerns, or life challenges. IFS is a beautiful healing model that invites slowing down to notice the various parts of you who may become activated at times and have their own needs. You'll learn ways in which you can slow down your internal system so you can bring some curiosity, care and compassion to what various parts of you may be needing.