My Approach to Helping
I am most passionate working with women & young professionals who are navigating their own version of the “quarter-life crisis”. This includes anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, and struggles in relationships. I cater to high-functioning professionals who have typically been pretty successful in life, but are wrestling with challenges that may not be so obvious to others (which can often feel incredibly isolating). I work with clients who are motivated to gain insight and make positive changes for themselves.
As a modern therapist, I take an active, collaborative approach to supportively challenge my clients towards growth & change. Sessions with me tend to feel more relaxed and conversational, rather than clinical and rigid. My approach is not to focus solely on the symptoms that are being presented, but to understand each person as a unique individual, navigating the complexity that comes with being human. I believe we all have our own unique set of gifts and innate strengths, and therapy is a space that promotes growth in discovering those strengths that lie within.
Our experiences can heavily impact how we feel about ourselves, others, and the world around us. Being human means that life will inevitably present us with challenges, and therapy is a space to explore how we have internalized our experiences, better understand our defense mechanisms, and work towards becoming more resilient when faced with obstacles. By understanding how our past experiences have shaped us, we are able to overcome feelings of shame and move forward from a place of empowerment.
I assist my clients with creating more self-awareness, learning how to implement effective coping skills for better navigating life, and creating a life that is in line with core values. My commitment is to not judge you, and to provide a space where you can show up as your authentic self.
More Info About My Practice
I completed my Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work at the University of Houston. My clinical experience and training includes work at highly regarded organizations such as UTHealth, The Menninger Clinic, Modern Therapy, and a one year post-graduate fellowship at The Council on Recovery. My background has provided me with a comprehensive skillset in conceptualizing the role of addiction and mental health within family systems, as well as individuals who have been impacted by psychological trauma.
The theoretical frameworks I primarily use are humanisticexistential, person-centered psychotherapy, mindfulness-based therapy, trauma-informed therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and attachment theory.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
Anxiety & Depression: I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my approach with clients experiencing anxiety andor depression. CBT focuses on how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected, and how to challenge specific negative or unhelpful thought patterns to better manage anxiety andor depression. I also assist my clients in developing healthier coping skills, including mindfulness techniques, to better tolerate distress and manage difficult emotions.
Family & Relationship Issues: I utilize attachment theory and interpersonal psychotherapy to assist clients in strengthening their relationship within themselves, as well as with others. This includes creating and maintaining personal and relational boundaries, developing conflict resolution and communication skills, and exploring past relationships to understand the influence these have in our current relationships. I also believe much of the healing takes place within the therapeutic relationship and will often share how I experience my client within our relationship.
Life Transitions: I support clients through life transitions with an existential approach, including helping them identify values to guide decision making, as well as exploring and understanding their specific needs during times of change or disruption.
Self-Esteem: I work with clients to develop a stronger self-concept and more confidence within themselves. This often occurs naturally through the therapeutic process by understanding the impact of the past, identifying needs within self and in relationships, developing healthier coping skills and thought patterns, and processing unresolved experiences.
