ABOUT ME

Am I The Right Therapist For You?

There are plenty of excellent therapists out there. Choosing one with an approach that feels right for you is important. 

My practice offers a safe and judgement-free space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I take an approach that is both direct and compassionate. Whether you're struggling with the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, self-sabotaging or other issues, I'm here to help you navigate them and build the life you want and deserve.

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I've been very fortunate to have worked in a variety of settings and with a variety of populations. I did my clinical internship in substance abuse treatment and after graduating with my masters in 2005 have worked in both outpatient and residential substance abuse treatment, community mental health, an integrated assessment center, and most recently tribal mental health. I've learned so much not just from formal training, but also from colleagues and clients over the years. I'm continually amazed by the strength and determination of those I work with. 

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Working with such diverse populations gave me good perspective of the ways in which we are all very similar. 

I kept noticing the same struggles overrepresented among clients from all walks of life. Fear, pain, and warped beliefs about themselves contributed heavily to a variety of symptoms and behaviors ranging from unhelpful to incredibly destructive. Often, the individuals felt stuck, frustrated and at times powerless over their own thoughts and behaviors. 

Some symptoms and patterns are easily attributable to traumatic stress, others are not immediately obvious or buried under layers of seemingly unrelated events and memories. 

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My primary approach is the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) theory, which underpins Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I got trained in EMDR at the suggestion of colleagues; I wanted more tools to effectively address post-traumatic stress. Early on I think I was more nervous than my clients, but thanks to excellent training and followup consultation we achieved great results. During pandemic restrictions we had to get creative. One client had poor internet connectivity at home so we reprocessed over speakerphone when she and the dogs had the house to themselves (after meeting up in the parking lot to lend her a set of BLS tappers!) Despite the unconventional delivery the results were excellent, and it made me want to explore more telehealth options.

I'm so grateful to the clients who have trusted me with their deepest secrets, wounds, and torments and allowed me to help them grow past the pain. I also continue to utilize other modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients build skills and meet other goals.