Therapeutic Approach
My approach to therapy is person centered and strengths-based. What does that mean? It means that you are at the center of your care. You know yourself best. My approach prioritizes my client as the expert on their own life and strives to highlight each individual’s unique strengths.
Collaboratively, we will create and work towards your goals, navigating the path together. My work incorporates Internal Family Systems (IFS) parts work, expressive arts, coping skills and strategies, as well as mindfulness and somatic practices.
My practice is LGBTQIA+ celebratory, gender affirming, neurodiversity affirming, trauma-informed, and harm-reduction focused.
As your therapist, I aim to provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore difficult and uncomfortable feelings, say what you need to without fear of being judged (seriously, this is a judgement-free zone), learn new ways to deal with challenging situations and emotions, figure out “what’s next,” and most importantly: be yourself! I believe that at our human core, we all want to feel heard, seen, and accepted.
Here’s what I know to be true:
You are resilient.
You are capable.
You are deserving of the life you want.
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is an approach developed by Richard Schwartz that views the mind as comprised of various distinct “parts,” each with its own perspectives, memories, and role. An intention of IFS therapy is to help individuals recognize and understand these internal parts, fostering a compassionate inner dialogue and promoting a more integrated, harmonious “system.” Through exploration of our unique system, we may begin to achieve more awareness and clarity around how each part influences our daily life.
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Expressive Arts incorporates various creative techniques, such as visual arts, movement, writing, music, and drama, to encourage insight and growth. Expressive arts practices can be a helpful tool to process emotions and can sometimes access insight beyond words alone.
Art making has been linked to enhanced emotional wellbeing, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increased resilience.
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Mindfulness and somatic practices encourage individuals to cultivate present-moment awareness, fostering a deeper connection to their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. By integrating mindfulness and somatic techniques into therapy, clients can develop greater self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and promote overall resilience.
I know you might be thinking, "I've tried this a million times and I really hate it" or "I can't sit still and it's boring." Ultimately, the best way to practice mindfulness and reap any benefit is to find techniques that work for you and your brain, not against.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychotherapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro that utilizes bilateral movement to help process challenging and/or traumatic memories.
EMDR therapy can help address issues related to anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, substance use, as well as help alleviate negative thoughts about self.
EMDR is an approach to trauma therapy and can be effective in helping individuals build resilience and expand their emotional wellbeing.
You can read more about EMDR here: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/