Approach

We're biologically hardwired for connection. Simply being with someone who's fully present with us can be healing and transformative. From that place of security, we can explore what needs our care so we can heal and grow. Being a safe, attuned presence is the foundation of my therapeutic approach.

I believe we're all whole and naturally seek balance. Unfortunately, emotional wounds, traumas, and illness can leave us feeling disconnected and stuck. In our work together, I'll help you tap into the inherent wisdom and healing capacity you already possess. We'll do this by bringing kind attention to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Together, we'll learn about your unique system by getting to know the parts of you that might be wounded or stuck, and discover what heals and nourishes your whole being.

Seeking support takes tremendous courage. You're the expert on your life and I honor your autonomy in deciding how therapy will progress, doing so at a pace that's right for you. I recognize that what resonates with you may change over time. My goal is always to meet you where you are, so I'll routinely check in to see what's working for you, encourage you to ask questions, and welcome your feedback.

My holistic, trauma-informed approach integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, somatic psychotherapy, polyvagal theory, and interpersonal neurobiology (relational neuroscience).

Trauma-Informed Treatment

As a trauma-informed therapist, I integrate all of the modalities below to treat trauma. Whether it's caused by a one-time event or ongoing relational patterns, trauma is often stored throughout the body and experienced as symptoms rather than as a narrative memory. Because trauma has no time stamp in our brain, when we're triggered by present-day events, our systems take us back to the frozen time of the trauma. Until we heal the trauma, our bodies will keep expecting our future to look like our past. This means symptoms can highjack us any time we're consciously or unconsciously triggered. Caring for all parts of ourselves, including our bodies and emotions, is a powerful, effective way to heal from trauma.

Internal Family Systems Therapy

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is founded on the concept that we're all naturally comprised of multiple parts (aspects of our personality). Our parts help us move through the world and communicate with us through emotions, sensations, thoughts, and memories. However, sometimes they can get stuck as a result of emotional wounds or trauma. Thankfully, in addition to our parts, we also have a core self, which has the capacity to heal, connect, and lead our inner system. Together, we'll welcome and witness all parts of you with curiosity and compassion, and create space to uncover your core self. We'll practice ways for you to develop harmonious relationships with all of your parts to restore internal balance.

Somatic Psychotherapy

Somatic psychotherapy recognizes that our bodies and minds are inseparable. Our feelings, sensations, and thoughts all impact our physical health. Unfortunately, our culture prioritizes our minds over the rest of our being, so many of us are disconnected from our emotions and bodies. But when they're integrated, we can tap into the brilliant wisdom of our bodies. Being fully in our bodies also allows us to live in the present moment, rather than caught up in the stories in our heads, so we can be more attuned to ourselves, others, and the world around us. Together, we'll explore awareness of the body and breath, along with other body-oriented practices, to improve your well-being.

Polyvagal Theory

Polyvagal theory explains how our autonomic nervous system works to keep us alive, safe, and connected. Resilient systems are integrated and flexible, rather than stuck in rigidity or chaos. I'll help you understand how and why your nervous system shapes your experience, so you can learn how to care for it and in doing so, reshape your story. We'll do this by mapping out an individualized plan for your unique system with practices you can use to decrease stress and increase balance.

Interpersonal Neurobiology

Interpersonal neurobiology is founded on the neuroscience that our minds are shaped both by our relationships and by the firing patterns in our brains. This molding continues throughout our lives and allows us to rewire our minds. Healthy, integrated minds are created by both fulfilling relationships and individual well-being. I'll share with you the science of how our minds work (as much or as little as you'd like to know), we'll explore mindfulness and self-compassion practices that resonate with you, and we'll use our therapeutic relationship to discover ways of being and relating that feel authentic to you.