Therapeutic Approach

At the heart of every struggle is a fundamental human need for connection. You are meant to feel connected to yourself and to others, but I know how easy it is to feel detached in this world. Perhaps you’ve been taught that your worth is conditional—that you're only "enough" if you're perfect, if you please others, control others, or simply hide in plain sight. I view unhealthy behaviors like perfectionism, people-pleasing, rage, dissociation, or addiction not as shameful, but survival strategies you developed to cope with pain. My deepest intention is to create a nurturing environment where we can work through these defenses, validate the purpose they once held, and rediscover the authentic self that has been waiting to thrive. I hold a clear vision of your inherent goodness and capacity to heal, and I'll compassionately challenge you to step into it.

My practice is rooted in trauma-centered psychotherapy, which means we focus on deep, lasting healing, not just symptom management. I don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I will develop a personalized, integrative toolkit customized for you. Initially, I will work with your defenses and foster stability in your relationships through Motivational Interviewing or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), creating a structured plan from which we can dive into deeper work. For others, we might work with your nervous system using the insights of Polyvagal Theory and Somatic-based techniques to help your body feel safer and more regulated. We can use tools like Brainspotting to redefine our relationships with old, painful memories, or explore your inner landscape, drawing from Internal Family Systems and T.I.S.T. to foster compassion for all the different "parts" of you. By blending these advanced modalities with a relational approach steeped in Attachment Theory, I strive to make our work deeply transformative and highly practical for your everyday life.

In addition, whether you are an individual or a couple, and regardless of your relationship style, history, or orientation, I welcome all parts of your story. I recognize and honor neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc.) and know the harms that can come when therapists subtly or inadvertently invalidate neuro-differences by encouraging individuals to “mask” or “blend in.” Instead, I will adopt a neurodiversity-affirming approach which will help you address the wounds of societal trauma while addressing your specific goals. Being neurodivergent myself, and living with a neurodivergent partner, I have a deep understanding of both the challenges and gifts that these differences can bring, and I celebrate them all!

Finally, it’s important to acknowledge that the journey toward mental and emotional wellness is not solely defined by modern Western culture. Humans have been seeking deep healing and managing mental afflictions for thousands of years through traditions, spiritual practices, art, poetry, community, plant medicine, and connection to the natural world. While I utilize evidence-based contemporary approaches, I hold deep respect and curiosity for these ancient sources of wisdom. My Buddhist practice, which I began at the age of seventeen, both informs and predates my work in therapy, and I recognize that concepts like mindfulness and compassion have infinite potential that go well beyond the Westernized confines of “stress reduction” and “productivity.” As such, you are invited to bring any personal or spiritual practices that already support your well-being, so we can honor all the paths that help you rediscover your inner nature.