Roots of My Approach
The technical terms for my approach to counseling treatment are “Compassion Focused," “Trauma-Informed” and “Psychodynamic,” in addition to being “Attachment Oriented,” and “Client Centered.” However, most central—and what I consider most vital to growth--is the sensitive witnessing and deep presence of a non-judgemental, non-pathologizing other. When we sit together, I don’t consider it my job to ‘fix you’ but rather, to be with you. It is in being with you and bringing awareness and kindness to you exactly as you are, that we can begin to create safety in our relationship and grieve and heal past and present challenges.
By showing up in this way, I aim to help you rediscover an authentic way of being in the world that strengthens your relationship with yourself and others, heals what hurts, and moves you toward what you most want in life. If desired, I offer additional tools to support you in new awareness, growth and insights along this journey. These include psychoeducation, experiential exercises, referrals and self-compassion practices.
Social Justice Roots
Something new can take root; something new can emerge.
Power and privilege and intersecting social identities (sex, gender, sexuality, race, immigration status, class, physical ability, etc) inform how safe we feel, how we are received, valued (or devalued) by those in the dominant culture, and what resources and opportunities are then readily made (or not made) available. It also impacts our sense of self-worth and feeling “got” in and outside the therapy room. Social oppression erects barriers to not only safety and basic needs, but also self-esteem, and self-actualization. If this speaks to you and your experience, I want you to know, I make room for this while we sit together, as well.