My Approach to Helping
I believe that each person is their own expert on what they need and who they are. I am simply honored to join clients on this walk and provide support along the way. Often, the things we consider "flaws" are the very survival skills that once saved us in an unhealthy environment. I love working with survivors to build new skills that better serve their present circumstances.
Because many who have survived traumatic or adverse experiences in previous relationships find it challenging to trust others, my approach to therapy is both relational and trauma-focused. I emphasize safety and developing trust within the therapeutic relationship. I also use client-centered and attachment-focused approaches.
The resilience required to survive trauma defines the extremes of human strength and creating a safe space where clients can explore their personal goals and desires is important to me. We can experiment with ways of building intimacy and trust with others and designing a healthy life you love. Together, we can find hope and promise following trauma.
More Info About My Practice
We are a holistic trauma practice located in the heart of Berry Hill. I provide telehealth services to the entire state of Tennessee, as well as in-person therapy for those who are local. We offer workshops and intensives in our calming and cozy house-turned office.
My Role as a Therapist
As a therapist, my job is to create your safe space for healing. My office space is welcoming and cozy and I attune with clients to notice tension both in the mind and the body. My whole job is to be on your side, providing support and challenging hurtful thoughtspatterns along the way.
Had a Negative Therapy Experience?
We've all heard therapy horror stories, and these truly devastating experiences inspire me to be a healing, restorative place for those who have suffered the opposite in their previous therapeutic relationship(s). It takes a while to find the right therapist, and there is such a wide variety of approaches and theories, so don't give up on yourself yet. You deserve another chance at finding the right fit when you're ready.
What I Say to People Concerned about the Therapy Process
I take a very open and transparent approach to therapy. Interventions aren't tricks to manipulate your mind, they're researched treatments that I explain before asking for consent. I work with clients to visualize what their healing journey will look like from the first session to the last. You have the option to collaborate on your treatment, not just hop along for the ride with a stranger.
Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed
It's a cheesy therapist answer, but just like going to the dentist doesn't mean you have cavities, going to therapy doesn't mean you have severe mental illness. Any good therapist knows that part of their responsibility is to attend their own therapy, but this doesn't mean your therapist is in crisis! We all need regular support, whether it is medical or therapeutic.
My View on the Nature of 'Disorders'
I believe that "disorders" are diagnosed when the survival skills that once kept us alive are no longer needed and become a hinderance to daily living. What's important is that these skills have been your saving grace, and my job is to slowly help you find other options that will still provide the coping you need, but also fit into your vision for your life. My job is not to strip you of these magnificent natural responses to trauma, but to help you find others.
