"Having compassion for yourself means that you honor and accept your humanness" - Dr. Kristin Neff

My Expertise

My professional background includes experiences with a wide array of mental health needs. My area of expertise, however, lies in Acute/Complex Trauma, Grief and Loss, Psycho-Spirituality and the LGBTQ+ Community.
Acute/Complex Trauma- Acute trauma is a response to a single event that is often brief, whereas Complex Trauma is when a person experiences multiple or prolonged traumatic events. Therapy will assist in processing the trauma, and developing adaptive coping mechanisms, and self-regulation skills, often using a combination of somatic-informed approaches, CBT, EMDR, attachment theory and mindfulness techniques. The overall goal is to gain a greater sense of self-efficacy and safety within yourself and your environment so you can create the fulfillment you want in your life. Your unique goals will guide how we work together. 
Grief and Loss- Our culture often equates grief and loss primarily to feelings one encounters with the death of a loved one or the ending of a serious relationship. The reality is that grief and loss are an emotional experience that our bodies move through under various life-altering circumstances. A few examples of other types of grief and loss are the experience of unmet needs in childhood or a past/present significant relationship, unmet desires or expectations of oneself, and retirement or a change in profession. Exploring grief and loss requires tremendous courage and often involves moving through barriers of hopelessness, helplessness, and/or shame. If you’ve had this experience, know that you are not alone, and you are one step closer to getting the support you need.
Psycho-Spirituality- Finding alignment between our inner spiritual world and the complexities of the human psyche can be challenging. If you were raised in an environment with strict religious values that didn’t honor the individuality of a person or thought this might bring you to a place of existential crisis or questioning of your Spiritual self. Psychology helps us to explore the roots of struggles, unearthing why we do what we do, and how to find more adaptable ways of behaving and engaging in the world, and find acceptance of ourselves. It often doesn’t address the healing that comes from the spiritual self and how to value and incorporate that in the therapeutic process. The exploration of soul work, intuition, values, meaning, purpose, and what Spirituality means to you are just a few examples of the themes that can be explored. 
LGBTQ+ Community- The LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges with stigma and discrimination, mental health disparities, healthcare disparities, coming out, intersectionality, bullying and violence. I am committed to creating a safe, welcoming and non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions and experiences, emphasizing validation and ensuring that you feel heard. Our work together would be centered on goals that reflect your needs and desires. My familial roots are what have brought me the greatest depth of understanding and experience with the LGBTQ+ community, aside from professional training and working experiences. I am here to gently assist you on your path toward self-acceptance and overall well-being.Veterans- It’s an honor and privilege to work with anyone who has served