Approach
As a clinician, I would never ask my clients to do things I haven’t also done. I know this is incredibly difficult and I am guided by strong ethics and principles. I would describe my practice as being rooted in honesty, safety, collaboration, and trust. Without these as the foundation of our work together, nothing real can happen. I ask a lot of my clients in our work together because I know that they can accomplish the things they set out to accomplish.
I integrate several different approaches with clients to address their needs. Specifically, we identify resources in your life that allow you to feel supported and collaborate on how to bring more of that into your world. We look at your narrative and internal picture to determine where you draw meaning, understanding that sometimes things don’t have any meaning at all. We look at the systems you’ve been a part of which includes, family, friends, vocational, trauma, beliefs, politics, religion, culture etc. to get an idea of the context from which you place yourself in your life. We utilize creativity, humor when appropriate, parts work, mind/body connections and more to develop an understanding of how you experience the world around you. We dive deep into your story, but you will not be alone.
How I Show Up
I am warm. When I see you, I am genuinely happy to see you. I mean it when I say I want to know who you are. I want the best for you, first and foremost. That does not mean what I imagine the best for you is; It means the thing you tell me is best for you. We get to figure out how you get there together.
I am direct, and I will gently call attention to incongruencies, and if I notice you appear uncomfortable. I do this to bring it into the room so we can process it in real time. The therapeutic relationship is a window into your day to day.
I use humor when appropriate. Life is hard. This work does not have to be tragic all the time.
To the disappointment of my grad schoolteachers, I am not capable of having a poker face. I am approachable.
I will often show up in session in comfortable clothes and imperfect. A comfortable therapist is a good therapist. I encourage you to show up how you are best comfortable. We are people first, always, forever.
I am a realist. I will be real with you. Even when you hate it. That is my job.
I am not going to judge you. Whatever you bring to session, we can work with. I want to be clear when I say, you are not too much.
I use metaphor, symbolism, and various other tools grounded in creativity. You do not need to have any experience with this for it to be useful.
Philosophy
This practice is a values-based practice. You can get out of this work, as much as you put in. I operate through the lens that you are the expert in your own experiences. This means that when you tell me something, I am going to believe it. I operate through the lens of Liberation Psychology which means I believe that until we are all free, no one is. I also recognize the inherent carceral nature of health worker systems and am always implementing strong criticism to the field I am a part of. I do not take for granted that this work cannot happen without your trust in me, and for that I am honored.
TLDR:
My approach as a therapist is collaborative. It integrates relational and attachment-based foundations. I utilize the present and implement gentle challenging & parts work, creative exploration, open and honest dialogue, inner and outer narrative of worldview, systemic & cultural influence, and great respect for the body/mind connection. I believe strongly in your agency and autonomy as a human, and I stand by the principle that you are the expert in your own experiences. My approach is depth oriented, trauma-centered, identity affirming, and intersectional. I will challenge you, but I will not push you. My therapeutic style is warm, inquisitive, responsive, strategic, direct, realistic, will challenge you, curious, nonjudgemental. I use humor, pattern recognition, and creativity. I’m usually in comfortable clothes and am a beverage goblin.
We might be a great fit if you are looking for a therapist who:
is informal and relatable
notices uncomfortable things and brings your attention to them
holds you accountable for what you ask me to hold you accountable for
explores the bigger picture of your life, and looks at context as important information
gently calls inconsistencies out
is not afraid of your emotions or honest thoughts
acts and reacts like a real person
has done everything they will ask you to do
provides insights and real-world examples
uses art, literary tools, or various other unexpected techniques
encourages you to take safe risks (I would never ask you to do something I haven’t also done!)
helps you learn to listen to your body and intuition
implements culturally responsive, and anti-oppressive practices into session.
What To Expect
During your first session, we will discuss what has been on your mind and explore what you want to get out of therapy, how you’d like to feel, and what you feel is getting in the way of that. We will talk about what brings you to start this work. I will gather context and information about your life, from both the past and present. We will review policies you might have questions about, discuss scheduling for the next session and anything else you feel you need to address. This session is really about establishing foundations and building a relationship with you.