Services
About My Clients
I specialize in working with people who have experienced trauma or abuse. When abuse happens earlier in life or over a long period, people may develop various symptoms including depression, anxiety, low self esteem, self harm, substance use, and anger issues. I view symptoms as ways of coping that have helped you survive so far. We collaborate in therapy to help you find new ways to relate to yourself and others, and create a more meaningful and satisfying life, however that might look for you.
My Background and Approach
I believe in carefully tailoring the therapy experience to meet the unique needs of each client. When you come to see me for therapy, you can expect to be listened to and understood in an environment free of judgment. My training encompasses a wide range of techniques to treat complex trauma, including Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, Trauma-Focused CBT, Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and DBT. With a background as a professor in Counseling Psychology, where I trained the next generation of doctoral-level psychologists, and as an author of numerous scientific articles, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my practice. In our initial sessions, I conduct a thorough interview and, if needed, psychological testing to gain a comprehensive understanding of your situation. This allows me to tailor treatment approaches that address the specific areas where you seek to improve functioning and well-being.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
As a therapist, I believe deeply in the innate desire of every individual to grow and improve. We all do our best with the tools we have at any given time, and recognizing this is fundamental to my approach. My work is grounded in the understanding that abuse profoundly shapes our worldview, often equipping us with a limited set of survival skills. While these skills may have been crucial in the past, they can become obstacles to forming strong, caring relationships later in life. In therapy, I prioritize respecting my clients' autonomy. This means giving you choices in your treatment and ensuring you feel safe and understood throughout our work together. I will never push you to explore areas you aren't ready to discover. Instead, we will collaborate to build new skills in relational and emotional regulation at your pace. My goal is to create a supportive environment where you feel empowered to develop a more meaningful and satisfying life, however that looks for you.