ARE WE A GOOD FIT?
MY APPROACH
My approach strongly draws on Gestalt Therapy, and also Somatic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Parts work. I believe that we all exist in context–that we exist nestled in our early life experiences, family background, cultures, connection to land/region, and personal histories. I believe that we adapt in ways to best survive in the environments that grow us. I draw from Gestalt principles which emphasize that being aware of our adaptations and how they manifest in here-and-now grants us greater agency in deciding how we want to choose to exist at any given moment. I believe that this awareness opens the door to choice and change. I also believe therapy is a relational space. Whether the relationship is with yourself, your partner(s), your friends, your colleagues, your bio/chosen family, or even with me–the therapist. Relationships impact our experience of the world around us, and I believe the therapeutic relationship can provide a place to learn new ways of being and connecting.
MY VALUES
As a therapist, I value many things, but aim to center genuineness, difference, integrity, and nuance. I value genuineness because I believe when we can be honest and congruent to our own experience we are able to see one another and connect. I value difference because I see difference between individuals as not a threat to connection but actually a necessity–difference illuminates where one person ends and another begins. I also value integrity and define this as the ability to be with discomfort and challenge with intention. If we aim to be genuine and honor difference while navigating a world filled with so many people and lived experiences, integrity is vital. And lastly, I value nuance because I believe that life exists with a lot of uncertainty and unknowns. Without nuance, I think we miss some of the most empowering and life-giving parts this world has to offer. To me, nuance leaves space for all the intricacies of the human experience and the systems we live in.
MY CLIENTS
Many of my clients have mentioned to me that their past therapists felt more passive or "blank slate". While I appreciate an empathetic reflection, passive is not my style. I wholeheartedly believe in fostering a space where clients can share their story and feel deeply witnessed AND my therapeutic approach involves more than listening and reflecting. I am a therapist who aims to bring warmth and authenticity while also actively engaging with you in pursuit of getting to what you are most with.
