I typically approach work with clients through a cognitive behavioral lens by using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). CBT supports clients in recognizing and changing problematic patterns of thinking and behaviors. DBT builds on the foundation of CBT and supports clients in regulating intense emotions, improving interpersonal relationships, and developing healthy ways of coping with distress. What I appreciate most about DBT is the emphasis on skills, and I have experience teaching these skills to clients both individually and through DBT Skills groups. I often say to my clients, we need more tools in our toolbox than just a hammer. One coping skill might work one day or in one situation and may not necessarily be helpful in the next. Together we will cover a variety of skills and help you find tools most helpful to you.

What can often be left out from certain frameworks is the need to explore historical patterns to better understand who we are and where our behaviors come from. I’m particularly passionate about helping my clients explore who they are and ways it may or may not differ from the communities they belong to. Through therapy, we can increase awareness and healthy expression of our emotions and change patterns that no longer serve us. It’s important to know that our behaviors, even the “problematic” ones, served a purpose at one point in our lives. I enjoy working with individuals who are curious about or eager to break generational patterns. This may include learning how to set and communicate boundaries with loved ones that align with your values, and find strategies to cope with the pushback that may inevitably result.

For clients who are looking to address their substance use, I provide education, resources, and practical support. I apply a harm-reduction approach and motivational interviewing techniques to support clients so they can better understand the role substance use plays in their lives, identify patterns and triggers for use, and set goals for the things they would like to change.

The transition into pregnancy and parenthood can come with a range of feelings and uncertainty. While there is no manual for raising your specific child, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t resources and support available. I work with clients to identify what support they may want or need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, that will better help them adjust during this unique transition. When we’re in the thick of a major life transition, it’s not unusual to find ourselves longing for the days that were easier or familiar. With the right supports in place, things will get better.

Whether it’s determining how to respond to loved ones who offer well-meaning (but not exactly helpful) unsolicited advice, figuring out how to build in time for yourself among the hundreds of other things that "need” to be done, or simply validate that what you’re feeling is not uncommon, I’m here to help.