(he/him)
New to Grow
Life is unpredictable and the experiences we have influence our belief systems, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This is true of both beautiful and traumatic experiences. There are only so many things we have control over within the systems we navigate. My goal is to help you figure out the things you do have control over, heal from the experiences that have negatively affected your life, and support you through the up's and down's of self-exploration.
We will get to know each other and talk through what brings you to therapy, what you hope to get out of therapy, and any background information about yourself you think would be helpful for me to know to understand you better. At the end, we will discuss what next steps might serve you best. If you think we would be a good fit, we will discuss moving forward. If you would like to explore other options, I will help you with those options as best I can.
I am a trauma-informed, relationship-focused, culturally-sensitive therapist. The only thing we all have in common is that we are first-time humans. I approach every session with deep curiosity and an understanding that sometimes we feel messy. I am very attuned to things you bring into session explicitly, as well as things that may be more dormant or hidden. I thrive in ambiguity and welcome difficult conversations.
Young adults wanting to heal from PTSD rooted in abuse and questioning their trauma-informed core beliefs that guide their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, and working on developing healthier ways to cope with anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts that result from traumatic experiences. Adolescents and teenagers exploring middle school / high school social dynamics, developmental struggles, and coming into their own identity, belief systems, and ways of navigating the world.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy is like a mix of Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It targets PTSD and its three main symptoms (re-experiencing, activation / arousal, and avoidance). It involves writing accounts of the traumatic experience(s) and reading them outside of session, and then in session, the client and therapist use CBT interventions to examine core beliefs influenced by PTSD and re-write the narrative that guides the client's thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Integrative
Therapy is often a non-linear process that is influenced by new experiences, unforeseen up's and down's, and breakthroughs. Because of this, multiple interventions and ways-of-being are usually needed to support the client.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
People often used phrases like, "there is a part of me that feels..." or "a part of me doesn't want...". Internal Family Systems formalizes this language and identifies, examines, and communicates with the multitude of "parts" that create the Self. The client will be able to name, identify, and understand the origin of each part and their role in influencing behavior, thoughts, and feelings.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
All people operate within a personal set of identities and systems rooted in their culture, race, ethnicity, upbringing, sexual orientation, gender, and ability. It is important that these systems are honored and respected during treatment. The only thing we all have in common is that we are humans first.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
A Person-centered approach uses unconditional positive regard, active listening, and empathy to empower the client through self-discovery, self-acceptance, and insight. The therapist acts as a guide, rather than "the expert."