therapy services
“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.”
From this place of compassion, I embrace a collaborative approach to therapy. I work with a diverse population of adolescents and adults (ages 15 and up) across the spectrum of culture, spirituality, gender identity, and sexual orientation. My practice focuses on individual therapy, but from time to time we may decide to include a partner or family member(s) in a session to facilitate communication around an issue.
grief and loss
Grief and loss is my speciality. You may have experienced the death of a loved one or suffered a loss related to a significant life event, such as divorce, infertility, or health changes. The loss may be recent or it may have been awhile ago. Grief therapy focuses on sifting through the pieces, processing what has happened, and making meaning of the loss. We don’t “get over it,” but we can learn to carry our grief in such a way that it isn’t always so heavy and overwhelming.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve; grief therapy isn’t about telling you what to do or how to do it. It is being gently, yet powerfully present with you, and supporting you in your search for peace and understanding. Grief therapy can be a resource as you explore who you are now and how to move forward. This journey is different for everyone, and I honor your path as it unfolds for you.
mental health concerns
Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health concerns I see in my practice. Symptoms can range from having a mild or moderate effect on daily living, to having a significant impact on functioning. The good thing about anxiety and depression is that they are very treatable with psychotherapy. There are specific techniques we can use to manage and decrease your symptoms while we explore possible underlying causes.
Other issues
Therapy can address a range of non-clinical issues that affect our well-being. These include self-esteem, stress, relationships, career and retirement decisions, or any number of challenging situations that arise as part of the normal developmental process across the lifespan. Therapy can be a place for exploration, discovery, and change.
limits of practice
Some people may need on-going emergency/crisis access to their therapist after hours or on the weekend. I am not available during those times and do not provide that level of care. If you are currently in crisis and need immediate assistance, please call 911 or call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or go to your nearest emergency room.