Approaches

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I use the following modalities and theoretical orientations in my practice:

• Social Justice Orientation: Naming and exploring how systems of oppression (homophobia, racism, transphobia, sexism, ableism etc.) have impacted you as an individual, and how they have impacted your community, your family, and your ancestors. 

• Internal Family Systems: Have you ever noticed that there is a part of you that like to keep track of your to do list? Another part that says, "I feel awful, I need to fix this feeling NOW!", and yet another part of you that may be curious and compassionate? We all have different parts of ourselves and it can be incredibly rewarding to get to know these parts a little better and focus on them one at at time. Doing this can really help with achieving more internal harmony.   

• Somatic Psychotherapy: Systems of oppression cause us see our bodies from the outside in. A Somatic approach can help you to experience your authentic self from the inside out, which is an inherently radical act. We can do that by exploring how your feelings, emotions, memories, and trauma are manifested in your body and create space to connect your feelings and thoughts with your physical sensations.  

• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Being curious about how past experiences, especially in your childhood, impact who you are today.

• Client Centered/Rogerian: You hold the tools to your healing inside of you. As your therapist, I will follow your lead and trust your intuition and meet you wherever you are in your healing journey. 

• Harm Reduction: Substance use can be complicated and abstinence is not the right path for everyone. I will work with you on setting reasonable, attainable goals for your substance use in a non-judgemental way. 

• Strength Based: Everyone has areas in their lives in which they excel or struggle. I can help you discover and develop your talents in order to better cope with areas of your life that are more challenging. 

• Health at Every Size: According to Dr. Lindo Bacon, the author the the groundbreaking book, "Health at Every Size," important factors for a healthy life include avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, getting regular exercise and sleep, and eating nourishing whole foods. Contrary to what our (perhaps well intentioned) doctors, friends, and families tell us, the number on the scale is simply not a good predictor of health outcomes. The consequence of this kind of misinformation is relentless fat-shaming and internalized shame for many around body weight and size. 

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