Therapy is a deeply personal process greatly influenced by the therapist’s style. You must feel understood, supported, and safe, as change and growth can only happen in a safe and collaborative relationship. Establishing this safety is the first step in a productive counseling process. The pace at which we feel safe to explore and experience is highly individual. In this way, the pacing of therapy is up to you, the client.
My holistic approach addresses somatic (bodily sensation), cognitive (thinking and reasoning), relational, and emotional concerns while providing education as needed. My style is person-centered, meaning I consider you the expert in your life, history, and experiences. I am a trauma-informed therapist undergoing advanced training in integrative somatic therapy. My additional education as a health coach and pre and postnatal fitness specialist allows me to offer practical advice on foods and exercises that may support symptom management. I aim to help mothers of all ages, wherever they are, on their journey to optimal mental health.
I began practicing as a therapist in 2012 and have been licensed since 2014. I have worked with mothers of all ages, socioeconomic situations, and challenges. I have supported mothers through substance abuse treatment, pregnancy complications and losses, divorce, job and life transitions, incarceration, and intimate partner violence. I have worked with many women healing from trauma and chronic stress. My areas of interest include postpartum depression and anxiety, embracing bodily changes, emotion regulation, anxiety, depression, complex trauma (cPTSD), and life transitions. I utilize a combination of relational, somatic, and cognitive therapies with practical recommendations such as books, podcasts, groups, and other resources to use outside of therapy sessions.
What is therapy like?
The therapeutic process should not be a mystery. If this is your first time seeking counseling, the idea can feel intimidating and scary. Clients often wonder if they will have to disclose or talk about things they are not ready to. Therapy begins wherever you choose. This is typically an area of life where you are experiencing some, or a lot, of distress. Our first few sessions will be a lot of talking. This is to gather relevant information, get to know each other, and identify goals for therapy. Subsequent sessions vary depending on your preferences and needs. Some clients prefer traditional talk therapy. Others benefit from more active interventions, such as somatic exercises or breathwork. Some clients love reading or writing and may try bibliotherapy or narrative exercises. Others benefit from coaching on how to set boundaries and recognize healthy relationships. No matter where the process takes you, helping you feel heard and safe is the top priority.
