I am an experienced and effective therapist dedicated to helping people begin to feel better from the first session. Approaches to therapeutic change have shifted rapidly in recent years. My practice has been greatly enhanced through valuable contributions from fields related to mental health. In the last decade neuroscience and evolutionary biology have offered tremendous new ways of understanding human experience i.e. stuckness, anxiety, depression and trauma. 

It is my foundational belief that the human system is complex yet equipped with powerful drives toward harmony.  I work to tailor therapies that offer clients greater emotional freedom and strengthen their natural resilience. I am passionate and effective at helping clients significantly reduce time spent in unwanted states of shut-down or activation. Integrating top-down resources such as intellect and insight with the embodied or somatic bottom-up system means more lasting transformational change. 

But, what does any of this really mean?

If you’re seeking a therapist it’s likely that you’ll read many bios and backgrounds. They may even start to blend together. For this reason I encourage interested clients to book an exploratory session. This provides space to take a good look at what you’re seeking and how a potential therapist may support those goals. A decision based on a personal experience is a great way to begin therapy or to simply bolster your discernment. 

I have a keen interest in supporting female-identified individuals who are experiencing challenges to health/well-being that relate to the autonomic nervous system.  

It’s been revealed that close to 70% of people with long-haul Covid have symptoms related to the vagus nerve functioning and as such, the Safe & Sound Protocol may be a beneficial therapy modality to explore. Click here to read more about this promising development.

In addition to being a certified provider of the Safe & Sound Protocol. I have completed training in Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) developed by Jon Connelly, Ph.D.  I have training in Polyvagal Informed Therapy, EMDR, and Acceptance and Integration Training (AIT) and am currently pursuing training in (ISTDP) Intensive Short-Term Deep Psychotherapy. ISTDP is a method showing great promise for reducing chronic pain and numerous stress related somatic complaints. 

Experience

In addition to working in school and group settings, I have more than a decade of experience working in private practice. In this time, I have gained expertise working with a broad variety of circumstance and diagnosis, including: 

Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic.

Performance stress - Anxiety related to judgement or evaluations of one's skills or abilities.

Attachment - Challenges related to developing or sustaining meaningful social bonds.

Spirituality and religion - Exploring beliefs and practices related to meaning, existence, and spiritual health and healing; enjoying a deeper felt connection with the spiritual dimension of one's life.

Caretakers - Feeling overwhelmed, isolated and tired related to caring for a loved one.