Availability Update

My first priority is to ensure that you feel safe, understood, and accepted in my office.  I always say "you are the expert on you" - my expertise lies in guiding you towards the inner wisdom that is always available when you 'know where to look" and have a trusted person alongside you. I have a personable, down-to-earth style, and encourage humor and creativity in our work.  First, you and I will thoughtfully assess your current situation in the context of your unique history, and develop our treatment plan collaboratively. I believe in highlighting areas of strength; those talents and even defenses have gotten you this far and together, we will learn how to maximize your natural resilience while easing the vulnerabilities that have you feeling stuck.  

I will provide regular and honest feedback about what I think could be helpful as you experiment with making changes in your life. Periodically, I will check in with you about whether our time together feels useful, and we will revise our course if needed.
 
Importantly, I aim to understand how dimensions of your identity (e.g., race, sexuality, gender, disability status, etc.) are influenced by systems of oppression, inequality, and other forms of discrimination. Rather than making assumptions about you, I hope to learn from you about your unique lived experience in order to understand how you see yourself, others, and the world. For instance, we might consider the roles of shame, fear, and internalized stigma as we explore your struggle to take risks, challenge the status quo, or live your fullest, most authentic life.   

I am classically trained in interpersonal and humanistic psychotherapies, but I also utilize contemporary, empirically validated treatment models including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion (MBSC), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). These frameworks are non-pathologizing and powerfully effective for clients "stuck in their heads" and unable to move forward with values-driven, self-compassionate choices. In session, we learn to recognize and invite the protective "Parts" of ourselves that often step in when we feel vulnerable, but sometimes get in the way of greater connection, self-acceptance, and fulfillment. Together we will explore how to get "Self" back in the driver's seat, so that your values are honored and life goals can be reached with optimal emotional resilience. 

My approach is deeply informed by current understandings of interpersonal neurobiology, polyvagal theory and the science of attachment and emotion, all of which offer a validating and practical lens for understanding the social and biological mechanisms of mental health and relationships.  As trauma and stress live in the body, I'm particularly interested in helping you develop a keen awareness of what your body and your "symptoms" are trying to tell you about how you navigate safety and connection in the world. To that end, I often suggest between-session practices to augment the therapy process and build momentum for change. Finally, I value an integrative approach, and with your written permission, would be glad to communicate with your other health-care providers to ensure the most comprehensive and holistic continuity of care.