My approach:

I view most mental and emotional distress as a symptom of deeper disconnection from who we truly are. I trust the drive towards wholeness is innate in all of us. Therefore, my work as a therapist is not about adding on or fixing anything for you, but rather examining and gently removing what might be in the way of your own organic process of healing.

There is a reason you’re struggling right now, and I want to uncover it with you. In a safe and compassionate space, I’ll help you shed light on your discontent so that you can begin to heal and experience peace. My approach to therapy is relational and integrative, meaning that I place a lot of emphasis on understanding your inner experience, and I draw from different approaches depending upon the issues you bring to therapy. In sessions, this looks like focusing on what happens in your everyday interactions with others that leave you feeling anxious or alone, and exploring how these feelings might be related to important early relationships. With empathy and respect, I can help you identify coping strategies that may have been essential in the past but may no longer be necessary. Together, we can explore new strategies, tools, and perspectives to help you find more freedom and relief.

Modalities:

I don't believe therapy should feel like a rigid process. Your inner landscape is unique, so my approach involves drawing from different perspectives to find what truly fits for you. Think of it as exploring your experiences through a few different, but helpful, lenses.

One lens I often use is Narrative Therapy. We'll look at the stories that have shaped your understanding of yourself and your challenges. Sometimes, these stories can feel a bit stuck or unhelpful. Together, we can gently explore these narratives and perhaps even start writing some new ones that feel more authentic and empowering.

Another valuable perspective comes from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This isn't about pretending difficult feelings don't exist, but rather about learning to make room for them while focusing on what truly matters in your life. It's about navigating the complexities with intention and purpose.

I also incorporate elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT offers practical tools for understanding and managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and cultivating greater presence in the moment. These are skills you can actively use in your daily life.

I draw upon Somatic and Mindfulness-Based Practices. Recognizing the close connection between our minds and bodies, these approaches help you tune into your physical sensations and cultivate a greater awareness of the present. This can offer profound insights and new ways of finding calm.

Ultimately, my aim is to blend these approaches thoughtfully, always keeping your individual experience and your innate capacity for healing at the center of our work.