“Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.”

Pema Chodron

What You Need to Know About Therapy:

Beginning therapy can be in response to anything from experiencing a crisis or navigating a difficult transition to feeling stuck, disconnected, or without a sense of purpose in one’s life. Sometimes, there is a specific concern that brings someone to therapy; other times, there is simply a feeling that something needs to change.

Taking the step to begin therapy may feel frightening or uncomfortable at first. It can feel unfamiliar to open up to someone and begin the process of exploring yourself, your relationships, and your experiences. Finding the right therapist is an important part of this process. Taking these first steps is movement toward growth and a healthier, more fulfilling way to experience life.

There may be a desire to ignore, hide, or reject the parts of ourselves that we deem least desirable. We may develop ways of coping that once served an important purpose but no longer feel helpful. The process of therapy opens up space to become curious about these parts of ourselves rather than judging or pushing them away. This can create an opportunity to understand where our patterns come from, develop a different relationship with ourselves, and ultimately embrace the whole self.

Therapy offers an opportunity to slow down and pay attention to what is happening within you. It can provide space to explore thoughts and feelings, understand patterns in relationships and behavior, develop greater self-awareness, and consider new ways of responding to life's challenges. Over time, this process can support personal growth, greater self-acceptance, and the freedom and joy that can come from living a more authentic life.

My Therapeutic Approach:

My approach focuses on establishing trust so that clients feel comfortable beginning the collaborative process of therapy. I establish a unique relationship with each client that is built upon a foundation of respect, confidentiality, compassion, and warmth. I believe that the therapeutic relationship itself can be an important part of healing. Feeling safe enough to be honest, curious, and vulnerable allows us to explore experiences that may have felt difficult to understand or express on your own.

I am committed to provide a safe and supportive space for clients to express thoughts and feelings without judgment. Feeling truly seen, heard, and accepted can be a deeply healing experience. The therapeutic process can support the development of self-compassion and foster vulnerability.

Self-compassion means learning to approach ourselves with grace, understanding, and acceptance. When we resist acceptance of ourselves, we can become stuck in painful feelings such as shame, anger or sadness. Learning to meet these experiences with curiosity and compassion can create space for something new.

Vulnerability can open the door to connection and intimacy. When we feel able to be authentic and allow ourselves to be known, we may experience a greater sense of connection and less isolation in the world. I work towards providing an opportunity to explore what makes vulnerability difficult, understand the ways we protect ourselves, and gradually develop greater comfort with authenticity and openness.

There is no expectation that you need to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. You do not need to know exactly what you need or have the right words to describe what you are experiencing. We can begin wherever you are.

My primary therapeutic framework is Psychodynamic therapy, which emphasizes developing a deeper understanding of how past experiences, relationships, emotions, and patterns may influence the way we experience ourselves and our relationships in the present. This approach can help bring greater awareness to patterns that may operate outside of our conscious awareness and create opportunities for meaningful change.

I also offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and IFS (Internal Family Systems) Therapy as treatment options. EMDR addresses how memories are stored and can reduce symptoms of trauma. IFS focuses on understanding and healing wounded parts, facilitating integration and wholeness.

If you are considering therapy and have questions about the process, I welcome you to reach out. We can discuss what you are looking for, answer any questions you may have, and determine whether working together feels like a good fit.