How I approach counseling

I practice therapy with the core components of empathy, genuineness, and acceptance. While I believe the roles of client and therapist are important (I'm not just a friend you're having coffee with), I also believe that authentic and supportive human relationship is key. It is important that you feel a good relational fit with your therapist, so I aim to keep an open dialogue about how this is going throughout counseling. 

I will invite you to explore, dig, and take risks in therapy (reflecting deeply is often filled with vulnerability!). However, I will not pressure or demand anything from you. I view my position as a guide, but you can expect that your counseling sessions are yours to do with what you choose. I use a fairly non-directive approach and operate from the idea that you are the expert on your own life and heart. 

You will be honored in your counseling process with me. I use a non-pathologizing lens and believe that hope should undergird all of our exploration. With curiosity and compassion I aim to create a space where all of your parts can be seen (even the ones that seem "unacceptable"), and therefore, where healing can occur. You are far more than the struggles you face or "diagnoses" you may have received. As a therapist my intention is to allow you to grow in your self-compassion by honoring YOU. 

The approaches I use are rooted in years of my own training and experience, but are also evidence-based practices that are respected in the counseling world. Specifically, I incorporate Internal Family Systems Therapy, Mindfulness-based approaches, and Somatic Experiencing into my counseling style. All of my counseling is trauma-informed, meaning I am intentional about checking in with you throughout the process of exploration. Considerate integration of spiritual practices or faith traditions of my clients contributes to this purposeful path as well.