If you've come to this website, you're likely looking for help and support. You might want to get a handle on stress, reduce the effects of trauma, anchor yourself amidst a chronic illness, or maybe find your path in life. (In fact, you might be feeling pretty anxious and/or depressed right now so that reading and concentrating are understandably difficult.* If so, you might want to go over to the "Things To Do Now" subpages and hang out there a while. This page and the others will be here and you can come back and read whenever you want.)

I come from a "biopsychosocial-spiritual" framework, meaning I carefully consider all of you in the contexts of your mind, your brain and total body, your environment, communities, culture and any spirituality or philosophy that may be resonant with you. My approach is intentionally eclectic and integrative, which allows me a lot of flexibility in how I can help and support clients, and provides me with a variety of tools in my therapist toolbox. Just a few of those tools are: 
  • neuroscience-based vagus nerve/limbic system, autonomic nervous system regulation
  • in-depth attachment, trauma, cognitive, and somatic theory-informed exploration
  • mindfulness practices
  • integration of any form of spirituality or guiding philosophy you might observe
  • incorporation of movement and play when appropriate
  • psychoeducation to give you the framework for healing
I utilize a client's creativity and strengths, two of the greatest therapy tools, doing what feels right to each person and is effective.

My work draws upon solid theory and practice such as:
  • psychodynamic and attachment theories
  • general somatic, sensorimotor, somatic experiencing, and Hakomi approaches
  • neuroscience/polyvagal theory/interpersonal neurobiology 
  • trauma theory
  • internal family systems approaches (IFS Circle completion)
  • transpersonal and existential therapies
  • integration theories
  • mindfulness practices
  • compassion-focused therapy
  • cognitive approaches
  • play therapy
  • non-violent communication practices
  • liberation health/social justice/power threat meaning framework
  • strengths/empowerment-focused therapy, as well as others.

There are a whole host of issues within my scope of competence from relationship difficulties to existential issues to anxiety. Particular interests are trauma and the psychological effects and challenges of chronic illness.

Currently, I see individual adults and facilitate groups. For those whose chronic illness makes it difficult to come to my office regularly, video and phone sessions are available.

I understand individual issues don't happen in a vacuum, so we consider and explore together the possible impact of sociopolitical forces on your mental and physical health.

I provide gender-affirming care, working joyfully and well with all genders, gender expressions, and sexual orientations.

The norms of dominant cultures and communities don't speak for everyone. Vibrant mental health is expressed in different ways, and we'll explore and celebrate your unique expression.  

I'm happy to discuss any of this with you in more detail.


*If you are in an immediate crisis, please take care of yourself and call a friend or family member you feel safe with, and/or call your local 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800.273.TALK (8255) or go to its website: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. 
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How We Work Together 

How I work with folks is guided by what each client needs. Every person brings a wonderfully unique history, self, and context to the therapy experience. So, every person deserves and needs specific treatment based on that uniqueness. There's no cookie cutter therapy here: It’s an organic process. Our greatest teacher is our present moment experience. In addition to the emotions, thoughts, and beliefs that are traditionally explored in therapy, your body and your central nervous system are rich resources for history and healing and presence. So, together we help you feel comfortable and skilled at listening to and honoring the deep wisdom of your body and mind, gently inviting connection and conversation between them. And out of session, healing happens when you integrate/explore/be with what feels right to you from the session in your hour-to-hour, day-to-day life.

Ours is an equal partnership. We are a team. I provide my expertise and wholehearted support, but you are the one and only expert of you. Therapy follows your lead. In a multitude of ways, you'll let us know where we need to go, and how, even if cognitively you have no idea - because in other ways, you do know. Even if you feel lost, you are wise and capable and resilient. And it's our job to create the space to help you (re)connect to that wisdom and resilience. There are lots of resources we can explore, finding what feels best to you so you can self-regulate and be open-hearted in difficult moments and, so, become empowered to be your own best ally. And as we do, we go at your pace and in a way that feels safe. You always have choice and control. And the beauty of therapy is that it's fluid and responsive: We can reset the course anytime and as many times as we need to.