Who I Help

 

Vulnerability. It's a word that sounds all motivating and "Hell yeah!" when Brene Brown talks about it, but when it comes to actually DOING it, it terrifies you. In order to get to the root of what's causing your discomfort, I'm going to ask you to get vulnerable. I'm going to ask you to share your story (no, the real story) with me. But you don't have to do it alone.

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I want to help you move from SURIVING to THRIVING. I want you to FINALLY start living the life you've imagined. It doesn't have to be "someday". It can be now. And I can help.

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LGBTQIA+

Based on both personal and professional experience, I developed a passion for all who feel marginalized.  We all deserve to feel heard, to have our needs met, and to arrive as our authentic selves.

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Dual Diagnosis and Addiction

I worked with people in methadone maintenance treatment for three years, and during that time, I learned that I have a passion for helping those who feel stigmatized.  I find that someone who struggles with an addiction often struggles with depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, or another serious mental illness. But I want to hear YOUR story.

 

Substance use may be a way you self-medicate. Let's be honest, it's a coping skill. It may not be serving you anymore, but it's helped you get by to this point. We can work together to find a few things that may be able to help a little better with less consequences, and for longer term.

 

As Teal Swan said: “Every addiction, no matter what it is, is the result of trying to escape from something by going in the direction of a need that is currently not being met...”  Let’s figure out what YOUR needs are.

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Parenting

I am trained in the "Circle of Security" parenting model. I can facilitate a group using the model or pull elements from the model into individual sessions.  The model teaches parents how to “be with” their children in all of their feelings, encouraging parents to explore their own trauma and childhood experiences so they can better serve their children.

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What Can you Expect?

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I approach therapy with authenticity and vulnerability, using both personal and professional experience to help you become your authentic self.  Using a Gestalt approach, I may ask if I can share an awareness with you, I may invite you to participate in an experiment with me in session, and I will always ask permission.  As much as I hope for people to live authentically and truly thrive, I also understand that it is scary and that it takes work.  I will only go as far as you’re comfortable with in the moment.  I won’t say that it will be easy.  Becoming your true and authentic self takes vulnerability. So let’s grab a cup of coffee or tea, share laughs and tears, and get vulnerable.

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People often ask why something happened to them or why they feel a certain way.  Well, I don’t like asking why.  I want to experience that feeling with you. I want to know what that feeling looks like. I want to know where that feeling is in your body, how you hold it.

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I love and appreciate the opportunity to be with someone and to witness them, hear their story, and be part of their journey--it is a true honor for me as a therapist.

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Therapy is a relationship, and I work just as hard as my clients to build that relationship. I want to know you. If something feels scary or taboo, I want to hear it.

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I am the person who asks, "How are you?"--and wants to hear the real answer.

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 When I'm not at Open Space CCW, you may also find me...

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Shopping for antiques, reading a good book under a blanket with a cup of tea, watching my favorite shows at home with my partner, listening to one of several podcasts, playing with my fur babies, cooking/baking new things, or cleaning (yes, I LOVE cleaning).

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