My Approach
My style is explorative, client-centered, and collaborative. Together, we will build a container that works for you. I am not a stoic “blank slate,” I do not position myself as an expert, and I do not impose an agenda. I move with curiosity, empathy, warmth, authenticity, and connection. Below are some approaches that inspire my work.
“Soma” means “body.” The body, the heart/spirit, and the mind are constantly communicating with us in an effort to keep us healthy and whole. Somatic psychotherapy aims to listen to and integrate the three. Together we’ll become more fluent in the language of the body, practice internal awareness of sensations, expand and refine your toolbox of physiological regulation techniques, build tolerance for both difficult and pleasurable bodily sensations and suppressed emotions, and release/complete survival responses.
Multiple parts exist within us, each with their own needs, wants, fears, and beliefs. All of them are important - even the ones we don’t like. Parts Work [or Internal Family Systems] can help name, give voice to, and integrate these parts. It can be particularly helpful for expanding our sense of agency and clarity when addressing stuckness, inner conflict, ambivalence, and self sabotage. If you’ve seen the movie Inside Out and resonate with the “emotional headquarters” concept, parts work is probably your jam.
Mindfulness is a practice of noticing present moment thoughts, emotions, sensations, and surroundings. There are many ways to practice mindfulness - it does not have to look like seated, silent meditation. Those of us with trauma, dysphoria, illness, sensory differences, etc. often must find our own unique ways of tuning into ourselves. Using your strengths and honoring your boundaries, we will practice “dropping in” and listening. Practicing embodied presence can help us see past the clutter of the mind, more deeply understand ourselves, and tend to the parts of us that need attention.
Harm Reduction aims to decrease the negative consequences of an individual’s drug use without necessarily reducing the consumption of drugs. It’s about meeting people “where they are” and helping them become more conscious of harm and how to reduce it. It recognizes that the needs, goals, and readiness of each individual are different.
Although harm reduction is commonly applied in substance use support contexts, it can be applied to any behavior that is concerning to you (self harm, isolation, overworking, etc). It can be helpful for reducing the downsides of that risky, hedonistic, exciting thing you do or that familiar coping mechanism that you cherish.
My clinical mind and personal healing journeys are deeply influenced by art. Artists like Britchida and Yumi Sakugawa have a special place in my heart. Though I am a talk therapist, I recognize that we have galaxies within and around us that transcend words. There is so much more to us than our cognitive, logical mind can capture. I deeply believe in the power of the creative, the intuitive, and the body. I enjoy utilizing art, creative expression, ritual, metaphor and narrative therapy techniques in my work for this reason.
One of my standout strengths is shame reduction. When we’re ashamed of something, it’s hard to look at and work with it. When we cultivate courage and compassion to look at what we’re ashamed of, we’re more able to take healing steps.
As someone with a brilliant and determined inner critic, I understand the power of having a compassionate witness. I find joy and purpose in helping others remember that nothing is wrong with them, and a lot is wrong with the oppressive systems that we live in. I enjoy exploring this concept with clients: All parts of us (even shame) have a story, want what’s best for us, and need care.