I combine insight, emotion, experiential and skills-based frameworks to support clients in healing from past wounds while improving current functioning and experiencing. My approach is based on the idea that all of us develop a unique "self" and ways of acting, relating, and perceiving ourselves, others and the world based on experiences that we have. When we are faced with unpleasant, difficult, or traumatic circumstances, we manage them the best we can by relying on the coping skills and support we have. During the time of crisis, this is very adaptive, as it allows us to survive physically, mentally, and emotionally. After the situation has passed, continuing to rely on those same coping skills and perspectives can sometimes result in us distorting our view of others, the world, and ourselves. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, flashbacks, physical pain, low self-esteem, and relationship problems, among many other issues, may arise.

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As I see it, our task is to help you gain a full understanding of and appreciation for why you have developed the views of yourself and the world that you have, and support you to take risks to expand and develop new ways of thinking, behaving, and relating to your self and others that may serve you. I will draw on a variety of theoretical frameworks and techniques in our work together, including:

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Gestalt Therapy

The underlying theory that informs my work and life most is Gestalt. It aims to increase self awareness by attending to present moment experience, the client-therapist relationship, and our emotional, mental, physical and spiritual selves, the "whole" of each individual. With the belief that experience shapes us, and thus can re-shape us, Gestalt therapy utilizes experiential techniques to facilitate growth and healing. It is respectful of one's resistances and supportive of one's innately creative, adaptable and healthy self.

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Physical Process

Body-oriented methods are based on the understanding that the whole person cannot be artificially separated into parts, such as body and mind. Thus, lack of attention to one's bodily nature would mean ignoring an essential aspect of the person, often left out of his or her view of self. Given that our bodies carry the wealth of our histories and experience, attending to posture, gesture, breath, tensions, and subtleties in tone, voice, and movement can yield powerful insights and changes in how we experience ourselves and the world. It can also facilitate the integration of body, mind and spirit inviting fuller authentic living with meaning, a deeper connection to oneself and others, and greater awareness of choice and capacity for self support. To view the consent for body oriented therapy, click here

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EMDR

EMDR (eye movement desensitization and re-processing therapy) is a highly efficient and efficacious therapy for resolving and healing trauma. As an EMDR therapist, I integrate this powerful tool in work with patients who have both experienced acute and chronic trauma, including birth trauma. I am currently working toward EMDR certification. 

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Person-Centered/Humanistic Therapy

Person-centered therapy identifies that each person has the capacity and desire for personal growth and change. It is a supportive form of therapy that values empathy, genuineness, and unconditional acceptance to create and environment where we feel seen, heard and safe enough to discover personalized, creative solutions within ourselves.

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