Existential Therapy

My training includes an existential therapy bent, which focuses on the eternal dilemmas of being human: choice, responsibility, mortality, and ambiguity. Just because we can't change it doesn't mean we can't address it! I can help you wrestle authentically with life's big questions in a safe, secure setting.

I have a background in existential philosophy and psychology. Discovering deeper meaning by confronting the difficult questions that arise from the unique nature of the human condition. What does it mean to be alive? How do my choices define me? How can I live a life committed to action and purpose? How can I embrace my failures and celebrate my success?

My approach to counseling centers around identifying the things that matter the most to you and the strengths and abilities you’ve used to survive in this life so far, creating a safe space to look more closely at the difficult areas of life that don’t appear to have easy answers. I see therapy as a healing and creative process, where my training and knowledge act as a mirror to help you unlock your own expertise on yourself.

I hold a Master of Arts degree in existential-phenomenological psychology from Seattle University and bring this background to my work with clients. An existential approach provides us with space to consider the underlying questions of life, to make meaning of our experiences, and to seek a greater sense of purpose and direction. We honor and strengthen your inherent capacity to make choices that enrich your experience of your individuality, your connections with others, and your endeavors.

I completed my training in cancer and chronic illness with existential therapy and CBT being the primary modalities utilized in treatment and recovery.

I have an existential focus in my practice that presumes that all individuals seek meaning, purpose, and self-actualization. I believe that anxiety and depression are symptoms that derive from a lack of meaning and purpose. I like to focus on issues fundamental to the core human condition such as anxiety, meaning making, purpose, freedom, responsibility, self-actualization, self-worth, guilt and acceptance.

This is a framework I utilize to help explore experiences and increase meaning making (i.e., logotherapy).

I believe that life's struggles and questions have the power to bring meaning and purpose to our existence. I provide a warm, supportive environment to help individuals explore and understand their experiences, feelings and beliefs. My approach integrates elements of existential, humanistic, and psychodynamic theories to help you understand yourself and your place in the world. Let's work together to empower you in your journey towards personal growth and fulfillment.

I believe we as humans strive to find meaning in our lives in everything we do and in every interaction we have. We need meaningful relationships, work and social activities in order to be healthy and when we don’t have meaning we become unhappy, overwhelmed, depressed or addicted. In addition to my existentialist toolkit, I have many other therapeutic tools I can use to help clients achieve their mental health goals. I tailor my style on my client’s needs and interpersonal styles.

Working through how clients approach their lives philosophically can be a powerful aspect of therapy. Existential therapy allows clients to ask big questions that affect their mental health. I enjoy having these conversations with clients and seeing the change it can make in their lives.

Finding meaning, direction, and purpose in life can be some of the greatest sources of anxieties for a person. Existential therapy looks at a person as a whole, in a humanistic context, to look at all the factors affecting a person and how those manifest into anxiety. It centers on deep, introspective discussions to help a person learn how to search for answers to meaning in life, to choose the way they want to live, and help people find connectedness to the world - ultimately reducing anxiety.

Life's bigger questions are frequently underlying day to day issues and addressing them in therapy can promote deep healing and change.

I believe that each person has the power to determine what has meaning in their life. What we give meaning to is often what dictates how we feel and how we live. We must also find ways to accept ourselves as individuals rather than waiting for others to accept us. We can work together to help you identify what you want to give meaning to your life and to accept who you are at this moment.

I use tenets of Gestalt and Existential therapy in my work, as I believe that we all gravitate naturally towards self-determination and holistic congruence. Self-examination and self-awareness are key steps for this - supported in therapy. I use tenets of Gestalt therapy in association with existential therapy: such as immediacy, the therapeutic relationship, and individual responsibility.

Existential Therapy focuses on the individual, rather than the symptoms. Existential Therapy explores one’s search for meaning, free will, and self-determination in order to increase self-awareness and self-understanding.

We're all going to die. (Yeah, I know). No but like, really. We are. At one point we didn't exist and at some point we will again not exist. In the meantime, what do we do with that? Is it motivating? Paralyzing? Somewhere in the middle? Let's go there. Let's dive in.

Existential questions lie at the heart of what it means to be human. We all grapple with inquiries about our existence, the meaning of our lives, and our purpose in the grand tapestry of the universe. These questions can be both profound and unsettling, often leaving us in a state of existential crisis. However, I firmly believe that within these dilemmas lies the potential for profound growth and self-discovery.

You will find a safe space to explore in your darkest and brightest of hours. For four years, I have had the privilege of walking alongside people on their cancer and grief journeys—from diagnosis to treatment to survivorship and beyond. From them, I have learned how people navigate life within an existential crisis. My own struggles, analysis, training, and growth allow me to be fully present with you.