About me

I use variety of approaches based on collaborative assessment of your needs, expectations, learning style, possible diagnosis and cultural considerations. The core of my approach is a belief that we heal in a relationship and while provided an opportunity to be heard, seen and supported.

I am trained in a technique called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy) that is evidenced based therapy used to process traumatic memories. 

I have several years of experience working with people touched by addiction, including those on Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT).

My personal journey of becoming a parent sparked interest and passion for supporting others in this season of life. I have completed PSI (Postpartum International) and 2020 Mom Professional Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training.  

If you want to learn more in depth about the therapeutic approaches that I use, please read on.

Attachment- based therapy is a base of my framework, sort of a lens that I see relationships through and add another therapeutic interventions to as needed and appropriate.

Attachment-based therapy was developed on a principle that strong early attachment to at least one primary caregiver is necessary for children to have a sense of security and the supportive foundation they need to freely interact with their environment, to explore and to connect with others. The optimal environment results in what is called a secure attachment pattern, but…what does that have to do with working with adults?

One of the aims of attachment-based therapy is to help the client overcome the effects of less-than-ideal attachment patterns by establishing a secure bond between the client and the therapist. This is done by providing safety, predictability, transparency and authenticity as well as acceptance to come as you are with a wide range of feelings and reactions. I help my clients to explore and understand how their current feelings and behaviors are associated with earlier experiences and eventually practice how to experience and relate to others in more satisfying ways. The relationship between the two of us is where that work initially happens. 

 In my work I strive to balance those more long-term changes with identifying specific short-term goals with my clients. Then I tailor interventions used to achieve those objectives. 

Often elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)  are used which is designed to help overcome problematic thinking patterns that lead to negative emotions. CBT also helps to make significant behavioral changes by creating action plans and overcoming internal and external barriers. CBT is particularly effective treating depression and anxiety. Of course, we are not always able to eliminate difficult emotions from our lives, nor is it always a desired outcome. That is where Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) comes in. This approach focuses on mindful presence in here and now and while it helps to move from unnecessary emotional dwelling, it also teaches to tolerate difficult affect and connect to our goals and values and to take action congruent with those, regardless of anxiety or fear that may be accompanying. Ultimately this helps to create more meaningful and fulfilling way of living.

Many of us have had particularly difficult experiences in life that overwhelmed our system and may still have an impact despite years going by. In 2018 I completed training in method called EMDR (Eye- Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy) which was specifically designed to help people move on from traumatic experiences. During EMDR therapy client attends to emotionally disturbing material in brief sequential doses while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus (most commonly on therapist directed eye movement or tapping). It is believed that this helps enhance the processing of information and forming of new associations, elimination of emotional distress, letting go of tensions stored in the body and development of cognitive insights. 

While we work together I will check-in with you often, ask and listen to feedback to design a treatment plan that meets your therapy and life goals.