We all encounter difficult seasons in life. Coping strategies that once worked may no longer feel like enough, and you may be seeking support to find peace and clarity.
Therapy is a powerful tool for healing. While there are many researched approaches, the connection between therapist and client is often the most vital ingredient in healing wounds, improving self-acceptance, and deepening connection with others.
I work with people navigating anxiety and depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, and feelings of being stuck or overwhelmed. Together, we'll explore patterns that may be helpful or unhelpful, cultivate self-compassion, and develop skills to manage stress and build resilience. My approach blends mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mind-body practices to support your emotional and spiritual well-being.
Because you're looking for a therapist, I understand how important it is to find someone who truly resonates with your needs. To help you determine if we're a good match, I suggest we talk on the phone or meet for an initial session. Pay attention to how you feel when we communicate about if my background and approach align with what you need right now. And if it doesn't feel right, that's okay. It can still be a good starting point, and I'm happy to offer referrals to colleagues who may be a better fit.
Couples come to therapy for various reasons that stem from feeling caught in negative cycles marked by hurt, shame, frustration, anger, and disconnection. Seeking support can feel like admitting failure, and many couples try to improve their relationship on their own. Yet the same arguments continue, and feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction grow. While it may seem counterintuitive, the sooner you reach out for help, the more likely your relationship will be able to weather life's storms.
Commonly, when romantic partners come in for their first session they want their relationship to improve but don't know where to start. I begin by understanding your histories, identifying the negative cycle you're caught in, and listening to the impact this cycle has on how you and your partner function. Through this work, you can begin to break old patterns, communicate with more openness and vulnerability, and rebuild trust and emotional intimacy. The goal is to help you reconnect so you can enjoy your relationship and have the skills to navigate life's twists and turns.
There are many good approaches to couples therapy. I use an eclectic approach and am formally trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). During sessions, I stay curious about everyone in the room, attentive to what's happening in the present moment, and work to move at a pace that allows emotions to be recognized without overwhelming the session.
People often ask how many sessions it will take to find relief. Sometimes, simply scheduling and walking through the door (or logging into telehealth) for the first appointment brings the relief of action. Therapy can be difficult, and progress may be slower than you wish. If you're not feeling that your sessions are mostly productive, it's important to bring this up rather than letting it fester. After all, learning how to talk about your experence and feelings with skill is an important part of moving forward. Therapy works best when you feel comfortable giving input, so I welcome it.
Navigating the transitions of growing up can be challenging. It's normal to feel stressed, confused, or overwhelmed, and while it may be tough to ask for help, there's never any judgment from me in seeking support. Therapy provides a confidential space to talk openly with someone outside your everyday network, offering a unique opportunity to process challenges and build confidence in how you move forward.
If you choose to work with me, I'll provide the opportunity to explore your personal values and goals as you develop your identity and understand how you want to show up in the world. Our work together can give you tools to build meaningful relationships, establish healthy boundaries, and recognize the connections that feel right for you.
As your therapist, I act as a guide and witness rather than someone who tells you what to do or how to live your life. I believe you are the expert on what's best for you. We'll collaborate to make sense of your experiences so you can determine the best way forward. Through this process, you may find that your relationship with both yourself and others becomes more comfortable.