My approach to therapy

I feel like it can be hard to know what it’s like to have a session with someone based on words alone but I’ll try my best! My approach is supportive, warm, curious, humorous, attuned, validating, and direct. I often hear clients tell me, “hm, that’s a good question…” which I love because I see part of my role as a mirror to encourage self-reflection. I see other parts of my role as holding hope for clients, creating a nonjudgmental safe space, modeling healthy boundaries, among others.

I come from a social work background so promoting self-determination is a big one, too! Self-determination means that I won’t tell you what to do but instead will help you explore your options. I’m here to help you make your own choices based on what aligns with your values (if you’re not sure what your values are, we can work on that too).

I practice in an anti-oppressive way which means that I don’t see human beings as “resistant” or “noncompliant.” I understand that people have their own valid reasons to think, feel, and act how they do. I see people holistically and not as being defined by their pasts. I’m also very mindful of the power imbalance within the therapeutic relationship, so I try to give that power back as much as possible. You are the expert on your life.

Modalities Used:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Gestalt Therapy

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Somatic Therapy

  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

  • Liberation Psychology

  • Feminist Therapy

  • Attachment Theory

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Relational Therapy

Along with these different modalities, I also bring values of respect, transparency, equity, and acceptance into our sessions. Read below for more info.

My Values

  • Close-up of two hands shaking against a plain background.

    Respect

    I don’t think I’m above any of you. I respect how hard it can be to show up, how you invest your time and energy with me, and how vulnerable this experience can be. I also respect your humanness and hope that you can respect my humanness, too.

  • Person holding a magnifying glass with autumn trees in the background, focusing sunlight and creating a bokeh effect.

    Transparency

    I’m not a magician and the work we do together doesn’t involve any hidden tricks on my end. I’m happy to explain why I might be asking certain questions or why we might try a specific approach. For some people, this explanation can be helpful. For others, not so much. Either way, I hope that you feel able to ask. Curiosity is welcomed.

  • Two hands holding a black paper heart on a beige background.

    Acceptance

    I’ve experienced my own share of struggles and know what it’s like to be on the other end. I’ve learned that more than any type of certification or training, unconditional positive regard is most impactful. Unconditional positive regard means I see you, I care for you, you have value, and nothing will change my mind.

  • Illustration comparing equality and equity with trees and people standing on boxes. Equality shows three individuals of different heights standing on identical boxes to reach fruit, with only one reaching it. Equity depicts individuals standing on different-sized boxes so all can reach the fruit.

    Equity

    I try to be mindful of the different ways I can support clients, and some people might need a different support than others. The image above demonstrates the difference between equality and equity. I treat clients equitably rather than equally because different circumstances can require a different approach.