My Approach to Helping

Are you as US Veteran? If so, I can offer free therapy to you through a group called Project Headstrong we offer confidential, unlimited care to veterans. Please inquire to learn more about how to get started.

I believe that we all seek to live a whole-hearted life, but at times there are things that stand in the way. While these obstacles may be very old, or somewhat recent, I have witnessed the ability to heal from painful experiences and thrive!

The primary area of my work is with individuals and couples who have struggled with painful and stressful events, both in the present as well as in the past. I use evidence-based practices, along with contemplative psychotherapy, to help people drop into their experiences in a way that feels manageable. Two particular tools that I utilize are EMDR with individuals and PACT Therapy with couples to work through issues of anxiety, panic, overwhelm, trauma, disconnection, pain, loss, and present day difficulties.

More Info About My Practice

I believe that healing is always possible and that intimate relationships can be repaired when they are safe. It is such a privilege to me to offer this work in the world, and I take such joy in helping others regain their lives It has been such a privilege to connect with and support people in their journey through psychotherapy.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I often work with people who are struggling with the following issues:

- high stress + overwhelm
- managing stress
- performance anxiety
- social anxiety
- fears of abandonment or engulfment
- separation anxiety
- survivor of assault, domestic violence, or sexual violence
- addiction
- history of trauma
- PTSD
- combat trauma
- impulsivity
- aggression
- anger
- guilt
- shame
- relationship difficulties
- highly sensitive people
- early life stress due to parents fighting, divorce, or illness
- adult children of alcoholics or addicts
- anxiety and/or panic
- depression
- chronic illness

How Psychotherapy Can Help

Psychotherapy is so different from any other relationship in your life. In the therapy room, the time is completely yours, and together we explore different experiences that have happened, both joyful and painful, that make up your life. Together, we work to make meaning of these experiences, heal the difficulties that have arisen, and explore the greater questions that are coming up.

My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy

My view is centered around healing and supporting healthy relationships for my clients. I believe that all people have the ability to heal, in fact, the brain and body work diligently toward this, yet people can still get stuck. I see therapy as supporting the body and brain in doing what it already knows how to do, but may have forgotten.

Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist

It is so important that the therapist that you choose feels like just the right fit for you. Finding the right therapist is like finding the right pair of walking shoes. Fit is so important! We have learned through the decades that this fit in personalities is more important for positive outcomes in therapy than any particular skill or style that the therapist may use. I practice from a style that works from Attachment-Based Theory. This means that I believe in the importance of this therapeutic relationship and work diligently to support our work together. This also means that we can talk openly about what is working and what isn't. This isn't like any other relationship in your life. Often clients share a deeper part of themselves in session than in any where else in their lives. For this reason, open, transparent communication is vital.

What I Say to People Concerned about the Therapy Process

Therapy for trauma and relationships can seem very frightening and overwhelming at first. The process that I utilize does take us into the muck of it all, but in a way that still supports health in the moment. Before we dive into the depths of the discomfort, I make sure that you (and your partner in couples work) are regulated, and know how to support yourselves, and each other. Sessions are done with neurobiology in mind, so that we don't cause retraumatization, but allow the brain to do what it knows how to do to heal. I have spoken with so many people who were quite worried about feeling worse by doing this work, only to discover that it was actually very liberating and healing!