Services
- Individual
- Adolescent/Teen
About My Clients
The clients I work with are resilient and capable, though often disconnected from themselves after growing up with emotionally immature caregivers, being parentified, or labeled the “problem” or “black sheep.” Many are adult or teen survivors of the troubled teen industry (TTI) or other iatrogenic trauma. I also support those navigating grief and loss, including pet bereavement, and enjoy working with animal lovers, incorporating dog somatics for grounding and co-regulation when helpful.
My Background and Approach
My background as both a clinician and a survivor of the troubled teen industry informs my trauma-informed approach, grounded in the belief that our struggles are shaped by what happened to us—not who we are. I work from the understanding that distress often comes from living out of alignment with ourselves, held in old narratives and unresolved traumatic memories. I integrate advanced training in Attachment-Focused EMDR (Level 3) with psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems, Somatic, CBT, and Narrative approaches. EMDR supports the gentle desensitization of outdated beliefs and survival responses, aiding clients move from disconnection—often mislabeled as denial—toward integration. My training includes polyvagal-informed EMDR, EMDR for grief, loss, mourning, and religious or spiritual abuse. I am also trained in EMDR for the human–animal bond and the Waldrup Somatic Method; when appropriate, animals may be incorporated as grounding and co-regulating supports to enhance safety.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
I’m deeply committed to reducing harm and increasing transparency in mental health spaces, especially for those who were hurt by systems meant to help. I volunteer with the non-profit Survivors Unrestrained, offering Therapy Talks aimed at de-stigmatizing therapy for individuals who experienced abuse within “treatment” settings. I also enjoy supporting the next generation of clinicians by presenting to practicum students as well as colleagues, helping raise awareness around complex and iatrogenic trauma; most recently I spoke at an NASW conference. Outside of clinical work, I have a deep appreciation for the human–animal bond. My husky, Jenga, now retired, was part of a registered therapy team with me, and animals have always been an important part of my life. I’ve volunteered at vets, animal shelters, horse barns, and continue to value the grounding wisdom animals offer. These values—advocacy, education, transparency, and connection—shape how I show up as both a therapist and a human.