I have a master's in social work and in occupational therapy. I approach experiences like depression, anxiety, and manifestations of complex PTSD from a lens of functionality, such as how did this serve you at some point? Or, what is this experience in your mind-body trying to make you aware of? Using curiosity to explore what is present, and often based in the past, is compassionate, empowering, and integrative in ways most people do not expect.
I approach therapy from a compassionate, harm-reduction philosophy using tools like: Internal Family Systems (IFS); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; somatic interventions (e.g., yoga & EMDR); and other mindfulness-based approaches. I see issues as invitations to bring awareness to what is present, so the healing power of witnessing can work its magic. I believe in being direct and compassionate, using contemplation and directly contacting the experiences present in the mind-body while staying grounded to build resilience and self-trust.
I practice creating a warm, accepting environment and typically invite clients to practice the skills we discuss in the first session together. A common saying I have is that experience is far more convincing than mere thought, much like "seeing is believing," and practicing together helps cultivate the deeper realization we are all searching for.
