Services
About My Clients
I've found that my approach tends to be best suited for folks who are past the point of learning coping tools and communication skills. I may still teach and reinforce these, but the focus is likely to be more on processing trauma, unpacking biases, and facing hard truths. Often folks aren't sure if they've experienced trauma in their lives, but I'd argue that most of us have, and it's a matter of recognizing it and reconciling with it.
My Background and Approach
My approach looks different from client to client, but I've found that the most therapeutic benefit tends to come from work involving EMDR (modality for processing trauma) and/or parts work (identifying and bringing together different parts of one's personality). These modalities acknowledge how traumatic experiences can shape our personalities and responses to triggers in ways that are deeply-rooted and challenging to untangle. I strive to help clients see more clearly the direct (or indirect) link between their challenging life experiences and the behaviors they find ineffective for them. If we know the "why" of our behavior, then we can finally start working toward the "how" of changing it.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
When thinking of the concept of "nature vs. nurture" in regard to mental health, I believe in the overwhelming power of nurture. The science of epigenetics shows us that our environments and our behaviors can have real impacts on our genetic makeup. While adversity, oppression, intergenerational trauma, and acute trauma can impact us in very harmful ways, we have the option to heal and grow when we're ready to. To me, that's exciting and empowering.