My approach to counseling is primarily interpersonal and family systems-based. I believe my clients are doing the best they can and have developed strategies and behaviors in response to experiences in their lives. I help clients understand how their problems developed and help them learn new ways of coping with distress. I work hard to meet clients where they are and tailor my style to meet my clients’ needs. Other approaches used include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Adults
I treat adults with a variety of concerns including work-life balance, stress management, parenting, relationship concerns, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, phobias, boundary-setting, developing assertiveness, sleep problems, and more.
Young Adults
I have experience working with young adults who are transitioning to college and work. I can help with school stress and anxiety, drug and alcohol use, individuation from the family system (developing your own identity separate from that of your family), peer relationships, academic performance issues, romantic relationship concerns, and more.
Adolescents
I work with adolescents with anxiety, school avoidance, somatic concerns (stomachaches, headaches, etc), depression, anger issues, and more. I am experienced working with teens, having worked with at-risk teens at Briarpatch, and as a teacher, interpreter, and bilingual resource specialist.
Couples
I help clients understand their romantic relationships through an attachment-based perspective. I will help you explore how your specific coping style interacts with your partner’s style. I also help you learn to better communicate about your needs and desires, and help you get on the same page with parenting and other joint ventures. I work with straight and gay couples, as well as with people in polyamorous relationships.
Families
I have an excellent understanding of family systems and can work with the entire system to repair relationships and help the family function more effectively. I help families who are working through a variety of problems including family conflict, substance abuse, divorce, mental health, and coming out.
LGBTQAI+ Clients
I have extensive experience working with transgender and gender expansive clients. I work with local doctors and healthcare providers to coordinate care including hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries and treatment.
I am also competent in treating gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, and intersex clients with most concerns. I understand that, while gender and/or sexual orientation may not be your chief complaint, it is important that your therapist is knowledgeable about and sensitive to these identities.
