My Approach to Helping
I appreciate the importance of staying mindful in the hustle and bustle of life. My approach is embedded in trauma-informed care which contributes to the discomfort that most individuals feel when trying to be in the here and now. I use “carefrontation” to help pull my clients back from projecting into future anxiety and guiding them to reframe their thought process to focus on the present moment. I incorporate EMDR, IFS (Internal Family Systems) and parts work, Existentialism, Person-Centered therapy, and some Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into my work with clients. Just like behaviors are tailored to our stories, I personalize therapy around my client’s needs. The therapeutic relationship is a vital aspect of my approach and I come into session with gratitude for my clients strength, compassion for my client’s histories, and support for my client’s healing.
"What is to give light must endure burning." - Viktor Frankl
More Info About My Practice
Oftentimes individuals feel like they have talked about something over and over again without any resolve. Or we find ourselves in situations where our logical brains know something, however when we are triggered another part of self shows up. We might feel unable to control ourselves, and our thoughts or behaviors are acting in a way that seems unusual. Typically this signifies that the work that must be done is much deeper.
Treatment is client specific, as each person moves at their own pace. I work with clients to identify current life struggles, negative belief systems, past life events, attachment ruptures or anything else contributing to current difficulties. I take time with clients to identify strengths and resources, practice skills to aid in emotional regulation so you feel confident moving and working through the difficult stuff.
Cultivating a safe and comfortable place is essential in the therapeutic relationship, a place where Clients can come as they are. I hope to create a space where I can support clients in exploring, growing and forging new pathways. I want clients to walk away from sessions feeling heard, validated, seen and sometimes lovingly challenged.
I am a trauma-informed clinician who is influenced by IFS (parts work) and a Feminist approach. I am trained in EMDR and find that it is most useful in the deeper work when a client is getting stuck on the trauma cycle of repeating their trauma script.
I have an MA in Counseling from City University of Seattle. I studied through EMDR Consultants who are affiliated with EMDRIA for my EMDR training which was 20 hours, plus 10 hour consultation, and 10 hour clinical work. I have also received advocate training for domestic violence from New Beginnings with a 20 hour training and certification.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
The philosophy of trauma-informed counseling is based on the understanding that individuals who have experienced trauma require specialized care and support. I acknowledge the impact of trauma on my client's lives and work collaboratively with them to identify and address their individual needs and goals.
My story involves addiction then recovery, marriage then divorce, domestic violence then salvation, prenatal depression then postnatal depression, work burnout then changing careers, body dysmorphia then body acceptance, and self-doubt to self-love. I have experienced trauma in different avenues of my life which has impacted my mental health in multitudes of ways. Going into my own personal healing, I recognized that trauma-informed counseling would need to emphasize the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for me, recognizing the impact of trauma on my mind and body, and empowering me to take an active role in my healing. My restoration is constant and is a never-ending journey which has brought comfort to me, reminding me that I can always grow and thrive.
I aim to live by my inner values of living with humility and honesty, more present and intentional. I truly believe that our ability to heal is connected to, and reliant upon, the relationship we build within ourselves and the world around us. Understanding that trauma can be a part of our story but it does not have to be the script in which we live by.
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.