Services
About My Clients
My clients are people, first and foremost - diverse, nuanced, and worthy. Some of them went through the motions for years, mostly holding it together, but felt burned out and brittle and sought relief. Others felt bogged down by judgment: I should be over it by now, I could do it if I just tried harder. Others learned things about gender identity or neurodiversity that resonated in unexpected ways, and decided to explore and process what it meant for them.
My Background and Approach
Professionally, I use an evidence-based approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT for short. The goal of ACT is to create a rich, full, and meaningful life by making decisions that align with your values, even in the presence of painful or uncomfortable emotions. Unlike cognitive behavioral therapy, the emphasis isn't on changing your thoughts & feelings, but on acknowledging them and changing how you respond to them. Identifying your personal values is often an essential first step in deciding which direction you want to go. In addition to ACT, I incorporate DBT, expressive arts therapy, self-compassion, and other techniques. I am also EMDR-trained. You are the authority on your own experience, and we will collaborate and adapt different approaches to suit your needs.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
As a human, I value compassion, curiosity, and authenticity. I believe it's important to demystify the counseling process, and I'll happily explain (i.e. nerd out about) the science behind what I do, whether it's neurobiology or the role of reinforcement in behavior change. I'm trans and neurodivergent, which keeps things entertaining. I acknowledge that anti-racist work is lifelong, and I strive to stay open and informed. As far as interests, I'll share my New Years resolutions. I hope they inspire you to plan something that brings you joy. 2024 (completed!): try 10 new fruits, watch all 38 Godzilla movies, crochet a balloon dog, complete Texas Master Naturalist training, and learn to hem with a sewing machine. 2025: learn to juggle, take a pottery class, visit 20 parks/nature preserves, log 100 observations on iNaturalist, and learn more about stop motion animation.