Areas of Specialty
Couples and Relationship Therapy
Healthy, satisfying relationships are an essential component to the human experience. Many people seek relationship therapy with the goal of improving the bonds with their partners. They may be seeking support with communication and conflict management, want to learn new skills to revive or deepen their sexual intimacy, have support during a difficult time or transition in their lives, or address recurring patterns of conflict that arise in the relationship. I help steer my clients toward secure attachment in their relationships while helping them better understand and become emotionally attuned with their partners. Additionally, I offer pre-marital counseling and discernment therapy. I have specialized training in the Gottman and Emotion-Focused couples therapy methods, and I welcome people of all genders, sexualities, and relationship structures (monogamous, poly, open, kink/BDSM) to work with me.
Sex Therapy
Issues that prevent a person from exploring their sexuality and enjoying sexual intimacy can cause significant distress for individuals who are both single or in relationships. People may seek support for sexual dissatisfaction, sexual performance issues, differences in sexual desire with their partner(s), sexual trauma, or developing a deeper connection with their own sexuality and eroticism. I approach my clients’ sexual concerns from a non-judgmental, sex positive, body positive, and ability inclusive perspective. I hope to help individuals and their partners better understand and effectively communicate their sexual desires and needs. I have a particular interest in working with individuals in the kink, BDSM, and fetish communities. I intend to pursue specialized AASECT sex therapy training and certification.
LGBTQIA+ Issues, Gender, and Sexuality
Finding an affirming therapist who creates a safe space is a serious concern for people with diverse gender and sexual identities. As a proud member of the queer community, I strive to help my queer-identified clients feel comfortable with me in therapy. I have experience working with individuals who are exploring different aspects of their gender or sexual identity, struggling with minority stress and oppression, facing difficulty within relationships and family, and navigating gender-affirming transitions. I offer a nonjudgmental, queer-affirming space for folx to process their thoughts and emotions. Additionally, I offer gender affirmative surgery evaluations and letters of support.
Shame, Resiliency, and Self-Compassion
If you struggle with feeling worthless, have a recurring belief that you are never “good enough,” or often feel as though you are not where you are “supposed to be” in life, you are not alone. Many of us struggle with internalized shame from different messages we received throughout life. These come from our parents, academic institutions, employers, partners, and societal expectations that stem from capitalism and systemic oppression. Shame often leads us to isolate from others and disconnect from our relationships. This can result in low self-worth, negative self-concept, and perfectionistic tendencies as well as depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns. I provide my clients with a supportive, empowering space where we can explore their feelings of shame, develop self-compassion, and ultimately build the resiliency they need to find meaning and fulfillment in their lives. I believe all people have inherent worth, and sometimes we need support to recognize our own. I’m here to help.
Grief and Bereavement
Coming to terms with loss is no easy feat. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the general loss one experiences when life shifts unexpectedly, people may experience a flood of overwhelming emotion and find it difficult to move forward. Reaching out for additional support may be the best thing people can do when faced with this experience. Together we can sort through the difficult emotions to begin the healing process and find adaptive ways to cope with the distress associated with loss.
Trauma
When people endure traumatic events, it is quite common to feel stuck and have difficulty finding satisfaction and meaning in one’s daily life or relationships. Therapy can help to move past any blocks, make sense of the traumatic event(s), and integrate the experience into one’s larger life narrative. Using a trauma-informed, integrated approach I provide space for clients to come to terms with what they experienced, develop skills to effectively manage their emotions, meaningfully integrate the trauma into their life story, and begin the journey toward healing and recovery. It is an honor to work with trauma survivors and hear their stories. When you are ready, I am here to help.