What I do and how I do it
Licensed mental health therapist for individuals, relationships, and groups + conflict mediation.
Relational - Existential - Somatic - Liberatory - Holistic
I am a direct and relational therapist. I believe the most important part of any healing dynamic is a positive connection between myself and my clients. This alignment is both evidence based and obvious to anyone who has been to therapy. It's important that you like me, or at least we have a solid working relationship, and it's important for me as your therapist to be generous and honest with you.
My focus on embodiment and the here-and-now reflects an understanding that the body and the mind are equal manifestations of our spirit. The present moment, which can only be accessed through the body, has most of the tools you need to feel better.
I am a humanistic therapist and I prefer to distance myself from deficit models of health. I believe everyone who works with me is just as whole and worthy at the beginning as at the end. I'm not here to fix you. I define health as a felt understanding of your deep connection with all things and the pleasure of ethical relationship. In our work, my goal is to help you recognize where you feel disconnection and work with you to reestablish that connection. The truth is, you are not alone, you have just perhaps forgotten to read the signs of your belonging.
I bring with me training in existential phenomenology, EMDR, and intersectional eco feminist psychology. I use language, themes, and tools from liberation psychology, parts work (IFS), evidence based practices, relational cultural theory, psychodynamic psychotherapy, existential phenomenology, and various somatic modalities. Spiritual practices such as tarot, prayer, and meditation are welcome in my sessions.
I believe that healing must occur at all levels of our being- mind, body, spirit, community, and environment. In my capacity as a psychotherapist, I keep an eye on all of these levels, and may recommend that we integrate other professionals to support your process. In the past, I have collaborated with medical providers, dietitians, family members, massage therapists, and spiritual and community caregivers.
When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid. - Audre Lorde, 1977