I work with a wide variety of folks ranging in age from teens to older adults. I have experience working with individuals with severe mental illness, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, personality disorders, and substance use disorders. I am particularly drawn to work with clients who are neurodivergent (autism, ADHD, OCD), struggle with body or gender dysphoria, and those identifying as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In my repertoire, I use traditional and trauma-focused therapeutic practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Gestalt Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic-based therapy.

Somatic-based trauma therapy is a body-centered approach that recognizes trauma isn't only held in our thoughts. It can also be reflected in our nervous system and physical sensations. By combining body awareness with talk therapy, art therapy, and trauma-informed practices, I support healing that includes both the mind and the body. I draw from approaches such as Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Polyvagal Theory to support nervous system healing at a pace that feels right for you.

I work from an object relations, attachment, and family systems perspective to assist clients in navigating early childhood trauma with caregivers and their family of origin. I also use an intuitive eating and body acceptance approach and particularly enjoy incorporating exploration of intuitive spiritual practices like astrology, archetypes, and love languages.

Overall, I specialize in working with individuals who are feeling stagnant and/or who are seeking guidance and hope. Family issues and relationship conflicts underpin a lot of my work with clients, and I also help couples navigate infertility, cope with the loss of a child, and strengthen their parenting skills. I enjoy working with clients who are going through a phase of life changes, including puberty, marriage, career shifts, and the empty nest, as well as exploring sexual and gender identity. Lastly, I work with clients who have chronic health/pain conditions, are experiencing a spiritual or religious crisis, or are looking for guidance as they process grief and themes of death and mortality.

I utilize a balance of both directed and open-ended modalities of art in sessions. I generally begin with more structured directives to identify your goals in therapy and explore your main obstacles. Once you feel comfortable, we will work at your desired pace and expression needs, whether that is focusing on the intricate details of a clay creation, tapping into the subconscious mind through neurographic art, or delving into uncharted art mediums.

Progress and results depend on where you are and where you want to be. Like the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly, there is no rushing the process. Within the first few months, there will be clear signs of growth, change, and insight. I’m a firm believer that we cannot heal what we do not acknowledge.

Some of the first signs that therapy is working will be an improved ability to view your relationship to emotions, thoughts, and behaviors with an enlightened perspective. From here, you’ll start to notice shifts in your actions - you’ll have the ability to identify and maintain healthy boundaries, you will build a generous toolbox of positive coping skills you pull from regularly, and you’ll manage stressful events with more self-compassion.