Who I Help

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You're tired of feeling like your experiences are minimized and being told you're "using it as an excuse." You're mentally and physically exhausted from always feeling "other". You want to FINALLY be able to open up and talk about ALL of the pieces of your life because you can't continue carrying all of this shit around, but you're terrified of being judged. You know you engage in unhealthy patterns of behavior and self-talk, but you just can't seem to stop.

 

I am a LGBTQIA+, relationship (i.e. CNM), and culturally affirming therapist, and I work from a racial justice framework. If you're tired of feeling like you're just "checking off the box" that you're "in therapy", we may be a good fit for each other.

 

I LOVE working with those in the middle of life transitions and exploring identity--in whatever form that is. Gender, sexuality, relationship type (i.e. CNM), racial identity... Everything in between, and all the ways they intersect. Some of us were never able to fully explore these identities in a safe, nonjudgmental environment, which is so crucial to our ability to really show up in the world and live a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.

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I also love working with folks struggling with generational trauma by exploring the many facets of their family history (mental health, substance abuse, physical and mental abuse, racial trauma), and how they have trickled down into their lives and impacted their development as a person. Together, we can work on identifying unhealthy patterns of learned behavior and help you better understand what a "trauma" response may look like. Then, we can work on breaking those unhealthy patterns so that you can engage in safer, healthier, and more fulfilling relationships, parenting styles, self-talk, and emotional regulation.

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In short: I can help you learn to show up as the person you WANT to be, rather than unintentional, learned behavior leading the way.
 

I also specialize in working with those struggling with gender and sexuality, anxiety, self-esteem, disordered eating, race-related trauma, and family conflict.

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What Can you Expect?

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I view myself as a working team member. This is your experience. This is your story. These are YOUR struggles. And you are the expert in that. I want you to walk me through how you got to the point where you decided to reach out for support and guidance.

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My personal experiences have given me unique insight into complicated, multi-layered issues that are not easily understood. Some of these identities and experiences include being a biracial child in a racist community, family history of addiction, and a personal history of mental health and being a sexual assault survivor. I can bring those into the room, with permission, if that's helpful to you. But at the end of the day, you are still the expert in your story.

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I am down to earth, friendly, and supportive--but I will also challenge the shit out of you if need be.

 

I utilize a lot of humor, and I find that clients that I can be real with are clients that I tend to build the best therapeutic relationship and alliance with. I'm going to REALLY show up in that room, and my hope is that it makes you more comfortable doing the same. I truly get a high from seeing clients finally relax enough to bring their whole selves into the room. You don't have to play the "pronoun game" here, or minimize how deeply you felt that thing, or feel shame about something you have done, felt, or experienced. Not here. Not with me.

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Don't be surprised if I have snacks or fidget items nearby--I believe that busy hands allow people to express more emotions and details about their experiences without feeling overwhelmed.

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We will collaboratively work on identifying your thoughts and emotions to explore what you are experiencing. So you don't have to know where to begin. You just have to get here.

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

 

Cooking new recipes, hanging out with friends, binge watching SVU or CSI (over and over again), and playing the Sims 4.

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