Specialties
Trauma Healing
Many people believe they don’t have trauma—or have gotten “over” the wounds of the past—but often distress we face in the present is deeply rooted in childhood trauma and adverse developmental experiences (ADEs). These may come in the form of wounds of violation (abuse, overwhelm, disaster, etc) or wounds of neglect (emotional vacancy, inauthenticity, or “not enough”). When we are “stuck” in seemingly intractable patterns, feel triggered by seemingly innocuous day-to-day events, or believe we lack the ability to initiate or sustain lasting change, it may indicate deeper maladaptive patterning in our nervous systems that traditional “talk therapy” will only go so far in uprooting. Using a mixture of “top down” therapy to address day to day concerns—and “bottom up” trauma-centered modalities to get to the root of our problems, I will guide clients to help understand and heal relational wounds in compassionate and safe environment. Long-lasting success depends not just on addressing symptoms, but transforming and cultivating the hidden potentials of the heart.
Intimacy Disorders, Sex/Love Addiction or Avoidance
Although there is significant debate (and plenty of misinformation) about the meaning and nature of love and sexual addiction(s), problematic compulsivities continue to take tolls on individuals, couples, and families. With the increasing prevalence of AI/technology—and loss of social spaces and resources—these numbers are only increasing. Unfortunately, due to the prevalence of shame-based interventions or mixed messaging around sexual health or sex-positivity, many people seek help through sources who are unequipped to deal with the deep complexities which pervade these deep-rooted behaviors and preoccupations. Having worked with over 800 clients in both inpatient/intensive and individual therapy, I will provide an approach to healing which is both accountability-based and free of shame, value judgments, or pathologizing. Instead, I treat love and problematic sexual compulsivity and intimacy disorders through the lens of the nervous system and emotions, helping clients align their natural desires with their own values and relationship goals.