My Approach to Helping
I sincerely believe you are the expert of your own experience. My role is to offer a safe, non-judgmental place for you to reflect on who you are now and who you want to be. Together we can define areas of growth, set goals, and create a plan to improve your life. Therapy is not about what *I* think is best, but about what *you* want to accomplish. My counseling approach is a mix of Rogerian, Feminist, and Cognitive Behavioral therapies, meaning I'll work with you to define your goals, identify coping strategies, and develop a treatment plan tailored to you.
More Info About My Practice
I am passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, intersectional feminism, anti-racism, and helping survivors heal from sexual trauma. I know that social progress is similar to psychological progress--both take perseverance, time, and a willingness to look at painful truths. In my free time I read all sorts of books and watch really terrible horror movies with my wife and our dogs, Tova, Cane, and Cooper.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
TRAUMA
PTSD may manifest from any number of experiences over your lifetime, including sexual assault, childhood abuse, domestic violence, sex trafficking, natural disaster, witnessing violence, sudden medical diagnoses, or the unexpected death of someone close to you. No matter when the traumatic event(s) happened, it may impair your ability to live, work, or just "feel normal." Trauma-focused therapy can help you process and move through the past so you can live in the present.
LGBTQ+
As a queer person, I have both personal and professional experience with the LGBTQ+ community and understand some of the unique issues we face. Family and cultural expectations, stigma, judgment, and lack of safety can have negative effects on our relationships and sense of self. Whether you're figuring out your sexuality or came out years ago, I'm here to provide a safe, confidential place where you can be yourself.
The Duration and Frequency of Therapy
There is no minimum or maximum number of therapy sessions that will work for everyone. Some people prefer brief counseling, while others find it helpful to see a therapist for years. That said, most people benefit from at least 10 counseling sessions. Most sessions are once a week, for 45-50 minutes. This gives you and your therapist enough time to get to know each other and create goals tailored to your needs. As you become more comfortable talking with your therapist, you should feel less stressed, anxious, or depressed. You may also find it easier to self-reflect, speak up for yourself, and establish healthy boundaries. Therapy is what you make it.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.