Services
About My Clients
I usually work with clients who struggle with anxiety. Anxiety can take many forms. For some, it's a message on repeat of all the things that could go wrong (generalized anxiety). For others, it’s an intense fear of being judged and withdrawing from social life as a result (social anxiety). Still others feel pressure to be perfect (perfectionism). Whatever its form, I can help you learn how to hear the message it is trying to communicate to you and work with it rather than fight against it.
My Background and Approach
Years ago, I found myself in a therapist’s office confronting my past and present wounds. Therapy allowed me to untangle, and ultimately accept, a complicated history with my family. The experience of being met with compassion and empathy week after week by my therapist was so transformative that I decided to dedicate my life to helping others face their own pain. I believe that healing occurs when people are met with empathy, authenticity, and acceptance, so those are the conditions that I strive to create with my clients. I believe that when my clients feel seen and understood, change is possible. To help facilitate that change, I use a variety of theories and techniques including attachment theory, relational-cultural theory, person-centered theory, imago therapy, and somatic grounding. These theories hold deep meaning for me because they align with my values of empathy, kindness, and authenticity, and I’ve witnessed their power to help my clients heal from trauma.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
A major influence who has shaped my understanding of trauma is Dr. Gabor Maté. He once said, “If I'm authentic, I won't be loved anymore. If I'm not loved, I won't survive. This is the source of all pathology, whether physical or mental.” This perspective deeply informs how I view my clients. At some point in childhood, most of us were faced with an impossible choice: to be our authentic selves, or to secure love and attachment. Even the most well-meaning parents subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) shape who we become by reinforcing certain behaviors and discouraging others. This conditional love teaches us to choose survival over authenticity — and over time, that choice can distance us from our true selves. My goal is to help you reconnect with the parts of yourself that had to go into hiding, and to do so with gentleness and understanding.