My Approach to Helping
I view the therapy process as an opportunity to shine a light on the parts of ourselves and our lives that may feel stuck, or shut down, or stunted, throughout our development. Therapy becomes a pathway through which we can resolve old wounds while opening up to a new and different way of being in the world. It is a journey of both expansion and letting go and I seek to elicit in you a genuine curiosity about yourself within an atmosphere of safety, trust, and acceptance. My work is very client-focused and strengths-based and I draw from a rich professional background which includes working in the fields of harm reduction and addiction, mental health, and trauma, developmental psychology, as well as palliative and hospice care, with a focus on grief and transformation relating to loss and mortality. On a personal level, I bring my own experience with parenting, shifting goals and roles across the lifespan, and spirituality.
To facilitate growth and change I utilize a variety of modalities, depending on your needs and circumstances. I have long-term experience working with clients struggling with addiction, as well as chronic relapse, with a special interest in women’s food and body image issues, and I incorporate both mindfulness-based techniques and cognitive behavioral strategies to strengthen coping skills. I have a passion for working with sensitive people who may excel in certain areas of life while experiencing alienation and disconnection from others. I approach my work with great faith in the therapeutic relationship and in our innate capacity to heal and grow with adequate support, stimulation, and nurturing.