The Healing Relationship

Individuals may seek counseling for a variety of reasons. Folks often come to see me when they feel ready to shift long-held patterns that are no longer serving them, when there has been a crisis or exposure to trauma, or when they are entering a new phase of their lives in which they are hoping for more balance or freedom. I offer an intentional, accepting space for you to safely take steps towards healing and growth based on an approach that integrates a number of modalities, which are described below. 

Person-Centered Therapy

Each client I counsel has a unique internal system. This individuality calls upon me to tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the needs of each person I work with. Due to my belief that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to treatment styles, a person-centered approach is the modality that informs all of the work I do as a clinician. This style emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic alliance, and meeting clients where they are at with unconditional positive regard. As a person-centered therapist, I seek to provide a safe, empathetic space to explore, where we will discover ways of working in tandem that feels right for you.

Working in Depth

My highest priority when working with my clients is to establish and maintain a safe therapeutic relationship from which to do our work together. From this supportive, trusting space, my clients are able to access and work with parts of themselves that they may have been struggling with. My time working as a mental health clinician has reinforced the belief that many of the challenges that bring us to seek therapy are rooted in experiences that have had the most impact; especially those that occurred during crucial years of development. At times, what has affected us most in life can be found living on in our beliefs, behaviors, minds, and bodies; often outside of our awareness. These expressions are signals of how resourceful are; we learn to adapt and cope by developing protective strategies. However, some habitual patterns of protection are no longer useful as we grow and move into different environments.

Together, we will begin to look closer at these patterns within the safe scaffolding of our working relationship, and using my experience with a number of depth-oriented modalities. I hold the belief that you have within you what you need in order to heal and grow. My role is to foster and support that natural resource.

My approach to working in depth integrates a variety of techniques and modalities, such as somatic work, mindfulness, Hakomi, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.

Internal Family Systems Therapy

Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) is a therapeutic modality that has been growing in popularity over the past few years. It is an evidence-based approach for numerous mental health concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and attachment difficulties. Additionally, there is evidence that it can complement medical management of some health conditions that are impacted by stress, such as autoimmune conditions. It is a depth-oriented approach in nature. I like to say that this modality is akin to “getting under the hood of the car”.

The IFS model is focused on bringing our inner system into balance through internal dialogue. IFS views each person as a system of parts, or sub-personalities. Each part plays a key role in the individual’s life, allowing them to function as a system, much like how members of a family may have different roles or responsibilities. These parts can become polarized or conflict with each other, leading to outward behaviors or internal experiences that cause distress or discomfort. The IFS model is built around the concept that many of these parts that we are no longer in tune with act in the ways they do typically due to past hurt or trauma. It is a semi-structured form of depth-oriented psychotherapy that is focused on healing the past hurts expressed by parts, leading to increased internal harmony and allowing more space for the mindful, compassionate core of each person. Clients that I’ve worked with using this model find themselves able to shift long-held patterns in their lives that were no longer serving them, and often feel profound relief through healing from certain traumas. My IFS level 1 training through the IFS Institute was completed in December of 2024. Learn more about IFS here.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of non-judgmental awareness. This modality is woven into nearly all of the work that I do. The mindfulness I practice and encourage with my clients is a tool that can feel empowering. When one is able to feel like they can re-orient their attention or ground themselves, one can experience increased autonomy, and be able to face things that are difficult or stressful in a new way.

There are other modalities I incorporate in my work that are not described above. I also utilize somatic and Hakomi techniques, polyvagal theory, breathwork, and with couples, the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

I have experience working with a number of mental health challenges and presentations. Feel free to reach out to see if we might be a good fit to work together. I am LGBTQIA affirming, and multiculturally conscientious. I would be honored to begin a therapeutic journey with you.