My Approach

“The feeling body is stronger than the thinking mind.” Chances are, on a rational level, you are already able to recognize the counterarguments to your struggles. Yes, I feel unloved, but look at these people here who say they care about me. Yes, I feel worthless, but I positively contribute in this way. However, if you don’t truly feel these counterarguments, then it likely feels impossible to let go of your struggles. You continue to experience difficult emotions and pain. You may even be using these recognitions as a way to enact further judgment upon yourself, which only makes your pain that much stronger.

During our time together, I will help you work through your pain. Instead of labeling your difficult emotions as illogical, we will explore the purpose behind your feelings, using them as information. I aim to help you access self-compassion to help you treat yourself with kindness rather than judgment. I want to help you find acceptance and peace within yourself.

My primary theoretical orientation is Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), which emphasizes your emotional experience, as emotions tend to be more deeply rooted than thoughts; we will also explore the messages associated with your emotions and use them as guideposts. I also integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS), which looks at how the different parts of ourselves interact and inform who we are as a whole. Additionally, I emphasize the role of self-compassion in our relationship with ourselves.

I utilize a social justice and multicultural framework. Since the different systems of oppression that we each face— including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, fatphobia, ableism, and classism— contribute significantly to our mental health, I believe it is important to address how these factors have impacted your journey when relevant.

Finally, I value having a collaborative approach. While I may be the expert in psychology, you are the expert in you. No one knows your experience better than you do. That being said, I encourage and welcome your feedback. This is your time for healing, and I want to make sure that you are getting the most out of it as possible.