THERAPEUTIC APPROACH

My personal philosophy of counseling begins and ends with grace.  Curiosity, trust, compassion, respect, and non-judgment are the cornerstones of my counseling approach. I entered this field because I believe counseling is a pathway to authenticity, growth and transformation.  

I believe that healing takes into consideration the whole person – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. It is an opportunity for the client to explore his or her own thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. By building a healthy therapeutic relationship, the therapist can guide the client in discovering more about themselves, their patterns of behavior, and their core beliefs. It also provides a setting that encourages the client in establishing new, healthy patterns of behavior.

As a counselor, I strive to empower the client to connect to themselves – their current as well as past experiences and emotions – in order to determine the direction they want to take in resolving their struggles. I do not believe that anyone is “broken, crazy, bad, wrong or weak”, everyone has the capacity to heal with proper “tools” and support.  I have learned that people are remarkable and inspiring. 

My career began working in the medical field and extensively with grief.  I have found that everything we experience has an element of grief attached. I love to learn and from there I began learning and working with couples and over time I found that something was missing in my approach. I began exploring the fields of developmental and generational trauma as well as attachment theory and most recently I have been studying toxic and high conflict individuals and relationships as well as narcissistic abuse.

I feel that therapy is not a “one size fits all”.  As I get to know a person, I will tailor my counseling approach to their individual needs. I use techniques drawn from a number of evidence-based treatment orientations, including: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems/IFS all through a trauma-informed lens.  In 2024 I trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) which I have found to be a "game changer" for many of my clients who have experienced extensive trauma. I  frequently utilize humor as a means of connecting with my clients.

Overall, my philosophy as a therapist is to treat each person as a unique individual, worthy of unconditional acceptance, regardless of his or her personal circumstances or struggles. It is my desire to come alongside, challenge, and encourage my clients to find healing emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Specializes in working with adults and couples

Specialties:  Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse, Toxic/High Conflict Relationships, Intimate Partner Relational Trauma, Family of Origin Relational Trauma,  Complex/Complicated Grief

Treatment Modalities Used:  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/CBT, Emotion Focused Therapy/EFT, Internal Family Systems/IFS, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Committment Therapy/ACT Accelerated Resolution Therapy/ART, Grief Therapy, Gottman-Informed, Trauma-Informed

Availability: Monday- Wednesday, Daytime Hours