My Therapeutic Approach
I am dedicated to providing a compassionate and client-centered approach to mental health care. My focus is on creating a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship where individuals feel valued and understood. We believe in the importance of transparent communication and actively involve clients in the therapeutic process. My commitment is to offer a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore, heal, and thrive.
What to Expect
15-Minute Call (free)
It's not required, but I encourage all new clients to schedule a free call to chat and see if you think we will be a good fit! Finding a counselor you believe you can build a trusting relationship with is so important.
Intake (First Session)
The intake is the first appointment where we paint a broad picture of your past and define goals for our time together. Intake sessions are a little bizarre (in my honest opinion). You'll be asked to fill out information about your life and goals in counseling prior to meeting for the first time.
Following Sessions
I believe counseling is a collaborative experience. You are the expert on yourself and your story, and I have expertise in counseling. I am not a mind reader or psychic, so I can only truly know what you chose to share with me. Vulnerability and trust are crucial to making therapy effective. Like any relationship, you may need time to become more comfortable in sessions- I really respect that! I work to make my approach personalized to you.
I intend to create a space where you can feel safe, respected, and challenged to grow into your most actualized self.
Therapeutic Specializations
EMDR, Mindfulness, Existential Therapy with an influence from Buddhist Philosophy
I utilize evidence-based EMDR to help clients work through difficult experiences.
EMDR is a structured form of holistic therapy that asks you to briefly focus on a traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (typically guided eye movements). This process is associated with reducing the vividness and emotional intensity of trauma memories. Research shows that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective psychotherapy for recovering from trauma and PTSD, as well as concerns such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019). In some studies, EMDR has even been superior to Prozac for treating trauma (Van der Kolk et al., 2007), and EMDR therapists in more than 130 countries have successfully treated millions of people (Shapiro and Forrest, 2016).
My goal is to empower individuals to develop effective coping strategies and achieve positive change in their lives. Mindfulness practices help create awareness of ourselves, physical sensations in our body, and our thought patterns.
For me, Existential and Buddhist Philosophy are complementary to each other. I will never force a religious perspective on my clients, but I find Buddhist philosophy to be an incredible asset to counseling as a helpful and logical way to experience the world.