About My Work
If any of this sounds familiar, my practice would be a good fit for you.
- I know the right things to do to manage my stress, but I’m struggling to do them.
- I’m a high achiever and think I am burning out.
- I’m a perfectionist and it is causing problems for me.
- I went through trauma and it is still affecting me.
- I take meds for anxiety and I’m still anxious.
- Talk therapy doesn’t seem to do much for me.
- I am neurodivergent/LGBTQIA/non-binary/traumatized by colonized medicine looking for someone who will be safe for me to talk to.
- I am interested in how to incorporate yoga psychology into my treatment, but my insurance won’t cover that type of therapy.
- I just got diagnosed with a chronic health condition and I’m freaking out.
- I feel guilty for not being able to keep up with my kids because of my health issues.
- I’m not in crisis but I want to explore my blind spots, my shadow, or focus on personal growth, and I understand that I probably can’t use my health insurance to do that.
- I’m a therapist looking for someone that isn’t intimidated by providing therapy to a therapist.
About My Approach
My approach to psychotherapy is somewhat tailored to the specific individual, but you are likely to experience the following regardless of why you are seeking support:
- Nonjudgmental
- Open-minded
- Empowering
- Authentic
- Collaborative
- Validating
My style tends to be relaxed and open. I can be affirming or challenging based on your needs and preferences. I want you to feel safe to be yourself, and I also want you to feel safe to challenge old ways of doing things.
I do not see myself as the “authority” or “expert” in the therapy room. I have some knowledge and skills, yes, but you are the authority of your life. If you are seeking a therapist who will serve the role of an expert advising you, then you may be disappointed with me.
About Me
I have always wanted to offer my clients a holistic practice that recognizes there are no “one size fits all” solutions for people who are struggling. In 2015 I decided to become a certified Yoga Teacher so I could provide yoga as an intervention in my clinical work, as my inclination has always been towards “body-oriented” elements in treatment. Many mental health solutions tend to leave the body out of the equation. Talk therapy has value, but sometimes it is incomplete.
I am trained in EMDR, yoga, breathing techniques and other practices meant to work with awareness of the body, how we hold ourselves, and what we need to shift to help us feel well. I incorporate these elements into the process for clients who feel that talk therapy is not always enough. I work with individuals who have gone through trauma, as well as those dealing with chronic illness, stress and anxiety. As someone with chronic illness, I understand the importance of stress management and cultivating wellness to one’s best ability. I can help you design a wellness plan and work through barriers to putting it into practice.
I have worked as a mental health social worker since 2010, providing psychotherapy in a variety of settings to individuals, youths, groups and families. Over the years, I have specialized in anxiety, stress, trauma and coping with chronic illness. Trauma, stress, anxiety and chronic illness often travel together. In recent years I have moved to a fully telehealth practice, partly for health reasons, but I’ve been practicing virtually in some capacity since I got my license.
EMDR
EMDR is an evidence-based protocol to treat trauma, and has been found effective for a variety of other concerns. EMDR helps you process the emotions and sensations associated with a distressing event, in addition to adjusting your beliefs about it. EMDR can help with phobias, procrastination, perfectionism, low self-esteem, social anxiety, trauma, and more.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
In this evidence-based approach, I help my clients understand the relationship between their thoughts and their distressing experiences, and we work together to identify alternative ways of thinking that can help you achieve different outcomes.
Coaching
Coaching is not therapy, but therapists sometimes use coaching during the course of therapy. Coaching is empowering, strengths-based, action-oriented, and focused on the present and the future. If you hire me for coaching and I determine that therapy is necessary, I will assist you in finding a practitioner. While I may coach my therapy clients, I cannot offer therapy to clients that hire me for coaching.
Yoga Therapy
Yoga therapy is a way to incorporate breathing practices, body postures and hand positions to enhance your journey to embodied freedom. Yoga therapy involves yoga philosophy to help you understand how problem patterns are formed, and how to assist yourself in releasing them.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is all about incorporating the body into your growth process. Many of us are "stuck in our heads" and somatic work can help you find comfort in your body, and find peace with the emotions and sensations you may experience while fully embodied. Somatic therapy is typically one tool of many that we will use during your sessions.
Chronic Illness & Burnout
The treatment of chronic illness impacts and burnout is similar. We collaborate to help you design a plan for self-care. I provide support and accountability as you work to act on your self-care plan. I assist in working through barriers to self-care, and working through limiting beliefs that can add to your suffering.
