Services
- Individual
- Couples
- Family
About My Clients
At this time I work with adults only. I love it when people are excited to make changes but if you're not sure yet that's okay too. I feel like I have experience in a lot of areas and with a lot of different types of folks. If I think someone else can serve you better with your issues, I will let you know right away. :) It's also important that you feel like we're a good fit. If not, I'll help you get connected with someone who's right for you.
My Background and Approach
You're probably here because you're having a hard time with something that's going on in your life, and/or you don't like the symptoms you're experiencing. I don't think you're crazy! :) It's very likely that you're experiencing a normal, human response to difficulty, stress, or trauma. I can help you with practical ways to help calm yourself, communicate better, set boundaries, whatever you might need. I can explain how your brain and body work so you understand your symptoms better. I'll never tell you how to live your life. And I'm happy to just listen if that's what you need. :) I've had a lot of trainings and taken a lot of classes. I can tell you them all if you like! It has been most helpful to learn about trauma and how it affects us. You may think of trauma as a car accident or violence but it comes in all kinds of packages. Knowing what it does to our brains takes away the shame from our response. Healing is very possible!
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
I started off advocating for survivors of domestic violence in undergrad in Maryland, around 1998-99. I befriended a recovering addict during the same period and fell in love with the power of the 12 Steps. I took a Challenging White Supremacy workshop in 2000 that has informed my outlook ever since. I consider myself an [imperfect] ally to people of color and the LGBTQIA+ community. If you've spent any time in San Francisco, I'm equally comfortable in the Castro, the Mission, and Bayview Hunters Point (iykyk). My favorite jobs of all were at Native nonprofits in Phoenix. I've protested gentrification and war. I've attended Buddhist retreats and Quaker meetings. I grew up Catholic. I've been learning lots about the Latter Day Saints. I feel that humor is essential. I love animals and actually got my degree in equine assisted mental health. I'm a stepmom (and stepgrandma!). I'm almost 45 if that matters -- pretty sure that makes me Gen X? I'm pretty much an open book!