My Approach to Helping
It's okay to ask for help. In fact, it's brave! We live in a busy and uncertain world with many expectations. Often times people feel like they aren't enough or that there is something wrong with them. We spend our days working our hardest to be enough for those around us. You may feel you are not thin enough, a good enough mom, student, partner, employee; the list goes on! But you are enough! And you are not a problem to be fixed! You are a human to be understood! Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, anxiety, OCD, addiction or how to navigate life in general, my goal is to create a space for you to feel safe enough to show up as you are and to know that it's okay to not be okay. You can achieve self-acceptance and self-love.
I believe in using a holistic approach and looking at all the intersecting systems in an individual's life. I also use various EBPs, theories and modalities like critical race theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, ERP, dialectical behavioral therapy, internal family systems therapy, attachment theory, art therapy and humor. One size does not fit all. It is my goal to find what modalities and tools work best for you!
I believe that recovery, growth, and connection happens in the context of the human-to-human relationships we develop, with the people we serve, by facing our fears and by learning that we can handle any thoughts or feelings that come our way. Like I say to many clients, we must feel to heal. I have an endless amount of hope for people to develop a wholehearted and fulfilling life. I strive to guide individuals and families to self-empowerment, a stronger self, and authenticity.
More Info About My Practice
Our first session will be a full intake assessment. Intake assessments are a quick way for me to get a big picture of who you are. We will discuss what has brought you to therapy, prior mental health treatment, therapy goals, and what has and has not worked for you in your mental health journey. We may also do additional assessments for those with OCD so that we can get a good idea of what your compulsions are and obsessions are.
The following sessions will include process work where you can express your inner world in a safe setting. From here we will explore any conflict or difficulties and ways to cope. I like to use a mixture of modalities to do this. We may use worksheets, journalling, art therapy, psychoeducation, coping skill building, etc. Depending on what you are struggling with, we might have a more structured approach. For example, if you have a phobia or OCD, we might use an exposure hierarchy to help you gradually face your fears. No matter what, I will meet you where you are!
Throughout your time with me, we will be assessing your progress. It's important to recognize and celebrate your victories, whether big or small. Once you feel you have achieved all your goals, we can either develop new ones or you can move on from therapy. It is important to note that there is no set timeline for therapy. This journey is yours and up to you!
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
I know what it's like to be both a therapist and a client. When you meet with me, I want you to feel like you are meeting with a human being, someone who has lived experience, someone you can relate to, and who understands how vulnerable it can feel to ask for help. My goal is to instill hope in you; Hope that you can overcome your challenges, make peace and look forward to the future. My personal struggles with anxiety, OCD, and an eating disorder have made me appreciate being a therapist even more. Although our paths to healing are unique to our own individual identities, we are all human at the end of the day and here to help each other make the most out of life!