A former client called me "endlessly chill." I am known to wear more sweatshirts than more "professional" attire. I don't want to give off any energy that I am better than anyone who sits across from me. I am known to swear in sessions (but I do filter this per client).
My first approach to therapy is person-centered to meet you where you are at and what you need. I utilize an emotion-focused approach and psychoeducation to help you begin to process emotions that you've found too hard to do on your own. Healthy emotional processing combined with healthy cognitive processing will help to relieve the hurt and pain you've been feeling (and likely trying to avoid). I am also trained in EMDR to help reprocess the trauma you've been through and redefine yourself despite the trauma you've endured.
During our first session, we will go over informed consent. I will spend some time talking about myself, which is usually the only time this happens. I want you to get to know me, my personality, my work history, and my approach so you can make an informed decision about whether we are a good fit. I believe therapy works when the professional relationship is strong. Not everyone will "like" my style or personality, and that is okay. Our first session will give you a good idea of whether we will work well together or not. During this session, we will also get your psychosocial history and symptoms to begin your path to healing.
