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I started feeling the call to social work during Covid. During that time, I was at home with my two little kids. I had experience as an adjunct instructor of English Literature and writing in my previous life and I have an MFA in poetry, so I’ve always been interested in humans and their emotions.. But 2020 was such an intense time in our world and so many people were struggling with their mental health. I really wanted to learn a way to help ease the suffering we encounter in life by becoming a therapist.
Covid highlighted how much we really need social and emotional connection in order to thrive, and I hope my work as a therapist will help people both heal and strengthen connections with themselves and others in their lives.
What methods do you use in your therapy treatment?
I’m pretty eclectic in my use of methodology. I try to teach my clients how to question their thoughts and challenge their conclusions, which is a strategy from cognitive behavioral therapy, and try to help them identify less with their emotions and stay more present in the moment, which is a mindfulness-based approach. I’m also person-centered in my approach, because a one-size-fits-all strategy doesn’t encompass the unique history and temperament of the particular client in the room with me. I like to collaborate with my clients so they feel motivated to do the work of therapy, and I like to use humor and warmth to help build a sense of trust in our therapeutic relationship.
What would you tell someone who hasn’t been to therapy before?
Therapy is such a gift to yourself. As the stigma around mental health becomes less powerful, more people are discovering how helpful it can be to have someone to process your experiences with who is really there to hold space for you for that hour. People sometimes express reluctance to go to therapy because they don’t want to look at their past or re-live painful memories, but with the right therapist who is tuned in to your specific needs, you can set the pace of that exploration so that it doesn’t overwhelm you. I liken it to going to the gym or beginning an exercise program: does it always feel good? No. Is it good for you? Yes!
What do you do for your own self-care?
Exercise is very important for my self care. I’m learning more about Somatic Therapy for trauma work in therapy and honing in on how many emotions we hold in our body throughout the day. Exercise can be so helpful for me in releasing those feelings I’ve been hanging onto. Sometimes I don’t have it in me to break a sweat and that’s ok–even a walk or some gentle yoga stretches help me feel more relaxed. I also try to get as much sleep as I can. I recently invested in a new pillow and blanket and it was worth every penny! Allowing our bodies time to rest and regroup is one of the most loving things we can do for ourselves.
Are you taking new clients? Telehealth or in-person preference?
I am taking new clients! I’m happy to see in-person or on telehealth. I do have a personal preference for in-person, especially when we are first starting out, because I like to really get to know my client and you learn a lot sitting in person with someone. But that’s not always possible, and so I’m also ready to do sessions online. My only exception is children clients–they need to play and sitting in front of a computer is boring for them!
What interests do you have outside of therapy?
I’m a big reader, so I always have a few books I’m reading, and that always includes a novel! I enjoy running and yoga, and I love to cook.
What do you specialize in? What clients do you see? Conditions, age groups?
I would say that I have an affinity for working with anyone who is invested in examining their life and learning to change their lives with self-compassion. I’m still new as a therapist, so I’m far from having an “expertise,” but I think I do well working with clients who bring curiosity in gaining insight into themselves. If I can gain the client’s trust by helping them explore their childhood with empathy and at their own pace, we can achieve a lot together. I always hope my clients leave a session with me feeling more grounded and capable. I also love working with couples and families to help them develop empathy and communication, repair and strengthen their relationships, and balance their individuality with caring
for one another. I see all ages, from children to adults.
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