Strength-based and goal-oriented support in the following areas:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergence
- Stress management and burnout recovery
- Self-esteem /self-compassion
- Academic or learning challenges
- Early adulting- transition to adulthood
- Major life transitions
- Alcohol use
- 12-Step Recovery Program
- Relationship and social health
- Direct and effective communication
- Self-advocacy
- Neurodivergent and living with complex-trauma, or complex health challenges
- Executive functioning skills
I welcome clients that are new to therapy, or those that are experienced and looking to try a new approach. I provide individual therapy to adults and teens over 15 (who want to be in therapy). I prioritize creating a safe and inclusive space that is nuro-affirming, trauma-informed, accessible, and culturally-sensitive.
I welcome individuals with any gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, country of origin, documentation status, neurotype, and abilities.
MY APPROACH
STRENGTH-BASED: We identify strengths, bring awareness and appreciation to your unique qualities, values, and experiences. I am a huge proponent of practicing self-compassion.....YES it can take a lot of practice! The better you understand your brain and body, you can more confidently build a life that is aligned with your needs and values. This inquiry and self-reflection fosters strength and resilience, to help you work through barriers and be better prepared for your future.
SOLUTION-FOCUSED: You might already have supports in place, or you are just beginning to understand your needs, and determining when and how to communicate this to people in your life. This can include self-advocacy, effective communication strategies, enlisting support, setting healthy boundaries, and establishing limits. These are all essential skills during any phase of life, especially if you have a neurodivergent brain! I want you to work with and not against your brain.
SENSORY/BODY: I help you understand your physical/somatic experience, using this to inform ways to cultivate a regulated nervous system. Exploring sensory needs and attuning to your body's knowing of how to safely self-regulate (movement, stillness, "sensory tool kit", sensory breaks, rest). This is not always with the goal of taking on more, but often recognizing how to scale back and adjust your environment, and to focus on areas that are within your control.
ACTION AND GOAL-ORIENTED: We will explore thoughts, emotions, and actions, noticing the difference. We notice limiting beliefs, and areas where you are feeling held back. There is much that is outside of our control (internally, externally, and always the past). We explore the actions that will bring you into alignment with your values and goals, one step at time. I will follow your pace and help you identify your goals.
BRAINSPOTTING: This is a brain- based modality that uses focused eye gaze to accesses the sub-cortical region of the brain (often where trauma and emotions are stored). It is understood that "where you look, affects how you feel." This approach is different than talk therapy, and I guide clients during a session, in order to allow processing to happen at a deeper levels.
INTEGRATIVE: We draw from the above Evidence-Based approaches (in and out of sessions) and you are encouraged to utilize any other resources and practices outside of therapy that you find helpful to your overall wellness. My goal is to help you find the practices and supports that will be most effective, accessible (internally and externally), and that will benefit your overall wellness long-term.
EFFECTIVE THERAPY
"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." Andy Warhol
Therapy is not a magic fix (and you are not broken). This process can bring forth change and healing, relief from symptoms, agency, and space for new experiences. It can also be uncomfortable at times, and I am here to help you through that, and to find greater ease in the process.
This is a collaborative process and you will get the most out of it when you are consistent and take action outside of sessions.
Personalize your experience
- Many clients find that it is helpful to write (in and out of sessions). This can serve as a guide for sharing with me, practicing, and utilizing tools (a therapy journal). You can also use audio and explore this with me in session.
- Ask questions if I am unclear, and let me know if we need to make adjustments (pacing, etc...).
- Explore your preferred communication and learning styles that will support the therapy process (visual tools or writing).
- I will encourage you to learn and share your sensory needs.
- You are welcome to move around during session, to take care of your physical needs and sensory system.
- I offer art supplies, and you are welcome to bring another activity to work on during sessions if this feels supportive to you and helpful to the therapy process. We can talk about this more in session.