New to Grow
I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with clients from all paths of life, helping them with life transitions, burnout, identity and sexuality, relationship issues, ADHD, depression, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma and co-occurring disorders such as alcohol/substance abuse and chronic pain. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance to establish a safe place for you to explore and process your struggles and challenges. I have a warm, compassionate, relational approach and will help you broaden your perspective and move toward changes that will make life more meaningful for you. I will embark on this journey and walk alongside you, both supporting you as well as challenging you to grow and create a fulfilling life. All of my work is trauma focused and based on mindfulness and compassion practices. Fundamentally, I work from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy perspective and integrate parts work, compassion and EMDR. I am originally from Austria, which has provided me with a unique perspective that is rooted in a collectivist culture and graduated in an individualistic culture. In addition, I have traveled the world extensively, which has impacted my worldview tremendously. This viewpoint has provided me with insight into and understanding of individuals’ lives from a variety of backgrounds. My love for nature has informed my practice to a degree I would have never imagined. I perceive mindfulness meditation as much more than sitting still for 30 minutes and will help you find ways to integrate what you learn into your daily life in a way that fits you. Nature doesn’t judge but rather it exists fully. Mindfulness is not a skill, it’s a lifestyle.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Typically, the first session is about getting to know you and what brings you to therapy. I attempt to create a space that feels safe so that you can fully open up. We will explore what has gotten in the way of living a meaningful life and explore goals for therapy as well as review the treatment approach.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I strive to create an environment where clients feel comfortable, safe, seen and heard. I am not a blank slate and offer a personable approach. Furthermore, values-based and mindfulness-based work offer a unique gift of really highlighting the life you want to live, recognizing the obstacles in your path and working on tools to be able to move past them. Through a strong therapeutic relationship it is possible to work through challenges in order to heal and progress. I want to work with you, walk this path with you and offer guidance in order for you to find your own path.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with clients who present with anxiety, depression and/or trauma, who are not acutely impaired with suicidality. I prefer working with short term clients on specific issues. I like working with clients from different cultures. I have experience working with neurodiverse clients and enjoy working with the queer community. I have a lot of experience with burn out and relationship issues.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I have been practicing ACT for over 15 years and have found it to be very helpful in establishing a more meaningful life for clients. ACT provides clients with clarification on what a fulfilling life entails as well as tools to be able to face obstacles when moving toward such a life. After establishing rapport, I start to explore clients' values and establish goals to move closer to those values. Mindfulness-based skills will be taught to help clients overcome internal obstacles that might hold them back from achieving those goals. I often integrate parts work and self-compassion.
EMDR
I have been utilizing EMDR since 2019. I provide EMDR therapy to work through anything from past traumas to grief and substance abuse. I integrate parts work and IFS in order to assist with processing as well as mindfulness to strengthen coping strategies.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
I have engaged clients in exposure work around anxiety and trauma. This entails imaginal and in vivo exposure.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I have had training in this area but have not had a chance to utilize it with clients. However, I would like to.
Couples Counseling
I have seen couples over the past five years. I am trained in the Gottman Method and integrate ACT. In early sessions, we focus on communication skills and work toward awareness of the process. I help clients, who are focused on making their relationship work, reconnect with their values and each other while recognizing how their own patterns and history is impacting the relationship. For couples who are not wanting to continue their relationship, we work on ways to end the relationship amicable.