People across the lifespan
I have had the privilege of working with people across the lifespan, from children to elderly clients. My approach to therapy seems to be most effective with teens and adults across their lives. I work with people in all stages, and I deeply respect the space where you find yourself at the present moment. I counsel people ages 14 and up.
Couples and adult families
Interpersonal dynamics can be challenging for everyone, even in the best of relationships. I enjoy working within multi-person systems to adjust dynamics so that everyone is feeling more heard, connected, and fulfilled. I am formally trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and tend to draw strongly from this approach, as well as from the Gottman method, in my work. I believe that the path forward often begins with a focus on the fundamental connection between the people in the relationship, while simultaneously coming up with strategies for deescalation. I work with couples and adult families.
Young adults and students
I have worked with young adults and college students for 20+ years in various capacities, including as a therapist, university instructor, academic advisor, and researcher. This is a time of life where I believe there’s so much potential for growth and change, and that is what makes me really excited to work with this population. I find these clients often are open to trying different approaches to find ones that works well for them, which in turn can then help establish healthier patterns for the future. For many people this can be an important time to explore mental health.
Parents
As the saying goes, parenting feels like the longest shortest time. I have children myself, and truly comprehend the pressure and expectations that are put upon parents in our culture. Parenting can be a joyful experience, but is by no means an easy task. I am prepared to support you, wherever you are in your journey.
LGBTQI+ communities
I have been a part of LGBTQIA+ communities for decades, and am very familiar with many of the concerns and challenges that can arise. I have also studied these themes professionally: as an undergraduate I minored in gender studies, I attended a master’s program in counseling with a strong emphasis on multiculturalism, and over the subsequent years have attended workshops and conferences that focus on supporting diverse communities. I truly love working with queer clients.
Polyamory, ENM, and open relationships
I feel passionately about this subject, and care deeply about helping clients find a relationship structure that feels right for them, whether that is polyamorous, monogamous, or something else altogether. Having open relationships can be challenging in the world we live in, which perpetuates many misconceptions. I am well versed in these challenges, and would be happy to support you on your journey. Read more about my approach to open relationships.
Neurodiverse populations
Neurodiversity is something I celebrate and sincerely enjoy exploring with clients. I have lots of experience, both professional and personal, with neurodiverse populations, and I’ve been clinically trained in supporting people with ADHD, ASD, learning disabilities, and sensory processing challenges. I find that neurodiverse clients often bring incredible creativity into their therapeutic work, and I deeply admire the variety of innovative approaches these clients can bring to therapy.
Immigrants
As a child I spent significant time in different communities of immigrants, and I witnessed firsthand the complex emotions and situations that can arise, as well as the trauma that can result. In addition, I speak several languages, and have had the privilege of spending time abroad. I have perspective into many of the challenges that can arise while trying to acculturate in a new community, and I truly appreciate working with clients on how to balance different cultures.
Curious people
I love working with curious people and all flavors of geeks! I’ve been geeky about many things over the course of my life, and it has brought in a layer of richness and understanding that has helped me move forward. I’ve found there’s something special about getting enveloped in an activity, a world, or a concept that deeply intrigues you. And, in turn, it can also be very helpful to draw parallels in therapy from that idea to the challenges that you’re facing. I appreciate helping people connect their passions of all sorts to their healing journey.
Scientists and researchers
I have a background in higher education, and I worked in research labs for nine years. Science is truly fascinating, and in my experience it’s also not traditionally been a place that creates support for emotional distress. I believe there’s space for a yes/and: you can be smart and logical, and also aware of your emotions and how to approach them. I’ve found that people tend to feel so much stronger after learning how to hold space for both logic and emotion.
People with chronic illness
I’ve found that clients with chronic illness can often feel unheard, unseen, and sense some degree of hopelessness about their future. I have been impacted by the effect of chronic illness myself, and understand the complicated emotions that can arise from the experience. I sincerely enjoy supporting these clients, who are so often fatigued or traumatized by their lengthy journeys, and I do all I can to help clients with chronic illness feel heard and validated.
Mental heath workers
Therapists, I see you! This work can be exhausting, and has become even more so over the past handful of years. We all need space and time to reflect. I have supported other therapists through counseling, clinical supervision, and consultation, and sincerely appreciate the opportunities I’ve have to encourage and advocate for others in the field. I tend to draw from attachment-based, feminist, and narrative perspectives.