My Approach to Helping
Reaching out for help is often the hardest part. You should be proud of yourself for taking the first step toward getting better.
Do you ever feel like the stressors of today are too much to bear, or struggle to find someone non-judgmental to talk to? Are your thoughts and feelings sometimes too much to hold by yourself?
In therapy together, we can create a calm and safe space to explore any internal knots you may be experiencing. Together, we can find ways to examine and untangle them in order to decrease distress and improve your overall quality of life.
More Info About My Practice
In a time of crisis involving COVID-19, social justice movements, and the current political climate, advocating for the needs of individuals is central for surrounding communities. Through my experience assisting children, adolescents, adults, and families build resiliency in the face of adversity, I developed a culturally humble, person-centered, and strength-based approach.
By putting your needs first, I administer clinically appropriate treatment based on a personalized assessment that builds internal motivation for growth and change. I will work with you to manage crises stemming from depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, neurodiversity, gender and sexual identity, trauma, self-harm, andor suicidal ideation. We can engage in creative arts-based treatment to achieve restorative experiences needed for post-traumatic growth.
I will work within your established culture to empower you and reduce the stigma of mental illness. I have personally witnessed the intergenerational impact of untreated PTSD from my genocide-survivor grandparents and acknowledge the importance of early intervention and prevention in order to end the cycle of transmission. In order to carry forward, I have chosen the path to help build resilience in people’s lives.
My Role as a Therapist
There is absolutely no artistic skill required in order to do Art Therapy. As a trained Art Therapist, I will guide you in using art materials in order to externalize your internal world. My role is not to interpret your art, but to provide safe space for you to explore any symbolism that may arise.
My approach to therapy stems from the belief that a powerful restorative process takes place through the relationship developed in the therapy room. Creating a strong therapeutic bond may allow you the freedom to lower defenses and uncover aspects of yourself that may have been tucked away for protection. Then, we can process what you notice so you can be your own agent for change and growth.