Who I Help

 

I'm a LGBTQIA+ and relationship minority (i.e. ENM) affirming therapist, and I have a passion for working with those who have felt or feel "othered". In many spaces of our world, we feel unsafe or afraid to show our true selves, and instead we have to "mask" to get by.

 

I do not want this space to be another one of those places.

 

I love working with LGBTQIA+ related concerns, gender identity & sexuality, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma & PTSD (including intergenerational and childhood trauma), depression, domestic/interpersonal violence, family conflict or dysfunction, grief & loss, perfectionism, self-esteem, and stress management.

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Trauma & PTSD

I treat trauma by working with you from where you presently are. This process of "unshedding" can be tough--I won't lie. Because of that, I like to first provide you with a few skills to help you be able to emotionally regulate yourself prior to digging deeper into your trauma.

 

Trauma is often wrapped in guilt and shame, which can create a spiral in and of itself. I like to work with you to understand the beliefs you have developed about yourself in relation to your trauma. Often times, those who have experienced trauma develop distorted beliefs of self--statements like "I deserved it", or "It happened because I am a bad person". These beliefs can be extremely debilitating, and can really create a barrier to  finding your true happiness and living an authentic life. I want to work with you on shifting your unhealthy belief patterns, and help you understand that you are not to blame for what happened.

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Chronic and Persistent Mental Illness

No one should be defined by their diagnosis. I have heard time and time again through folks I've worked with that they have been ostracized or judged due to their diagnosis.

 

I know that this is only a piece of your identity. You are not your mental illness.

 

Therapy is not "one size fits all"--far from it. Together, we will work to develop a unique plan that moves you towards overall wellness and your goals, in a way that is healthy and sustainable. We can tackle this in many ways, including developing healthier ways to manage your symptoms, further developing your coping skills, and rewiring thinking patterns that are hindering you from growth and getting in the way of... well... everything.

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Self-Esteem

I use a strength-based approach to support you in overcoming harmful or negative thinking patterns about yourself. I want to dive in with you and help you identify whose voice you are hearing--and replace it with your own true voice.

 

If we are really honest with ourselves, we probably all have unhealthy automatic thoughts that hold us back from trying new things or taking a chance on ourselves. But sometimes, when these voices and these statements become too loud, it can have an extraordinary impact on your ability to show up in the world in the way that you want to. I want to help you overcome these fears so you can learn how to lean into your authentic self.

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What Can You Expect?

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I want you to feel safe to come as you are, and I help you do that by showing up with the courage to be vulnerable as my authentic self. I use a person-centered approach, and recognize everyone's experience is unique to them.

 

I tend to be direct and straight forward with folks I work with, but I do incorporate some humor where appropriate! I'm also able to thoughtfully use some self-disclosure to support you, with your permission, if that's helpful to you. I work from a strength-based lens, and encourage you to recognize your own strengths so you can build upon them to reach the goals you have set for yourself. I believe strongly in you having control of your own session, and I will work collaboratively with you during our time together.

 

Being able to witness someone have a breakthrough or overcome a barrier that has inhibited  them from being their true self is a privilege. I consider it an honor to be a part of someone's journey towards overcoming their traumas and struggles.

 

Together, with support and safety, we can travel through the mess of life--and find the joy in it too.

 

I show up fully and presently to each session, with the hope that this encourages you feel safe to do the same. I want you to feel comfortable to share "all the things"--ALL of them--even (and especially) the ones we push deep inside that we are afraid we will be judged for. I am very comfortable with strong emotions, and do not want you to hold back from opening up. I want you to come as you are and be comfortable in this space, and this is the place to begin unloading the heavy "stuff" you've been carrying around on your own for too long. 

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

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Spending time outside with my wife and fur baby, trying out a new restaurant, traveling, or binge watching Netflix.

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