I offer a collaborative and systemic approach to therapy with couples, families and individuals. In addition to being a licensed marriage and family therapist and a Clinical Fellow of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), I am a Certified Sex Therapist through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). I am an alumnus of the University of Michigan's Sexual Health Certification Program/Sex Therapy Track. I am also a Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist. Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a "model of psychotherapy that offers a clear, non-pathologizing, and empowering method of understanding human problems."

Life's challenges can sometimes push our coping skills to the brink, and what used to work for us no longer does. Relief from psychological pain comes when we face feelings that we are avoiding and develop new ways of looking at our lives. I have worked successfully with adults experiencing difficult situations at work, in relationships, and in life transitions. Through our work together, I will help you challenge unhelpful beliefs and alleviate distressing emotions so that you can free yourself from suffering, regain hope, make better choices, and live a more authentic, satisfying life.

Finding the right therapist for your needs is a daunting process, so thank you for taking the time to read about me. Regardless of your struggles, when working with me, we will explore not only the reasons for your struggles, BUT more importantly, how stress affects your body; how you internalize thoughts about yourself and others. I will give you tools to help with difficult emotions; manage stress effectively. I also specialize in: 1) postpartum, 2) trauma/grief, 3) non-traditional family formation, 4) adoption, 5) ThirdCultureKid, 6) LGBQ. I am happy to provide a phone consult; this will also allow you to get a sense of me.

The decision about seeking therapy can be hard. It takes courage to embrace the pain and to start the reflection about what needs to change within ourselves, and in our relationships. My goal is to collaboratively facilitate this journey through the creation of a safe space. I teach and provide clinical supervision at university level. I am a collaborative therapist, working from a strengths-based approach. I am here to help you make meaning and overcome challenges you may be facing.

In our journey of self-growth, we must be willing to look at our past experiences, patterns and reflect on our understanding of our environment to reach emotional healing and strength. During a time of difficulty and stress, we are provided with an opportunity for growth.

Affirmation. Growth. Healing. I believe that every individual possesses the wisdom to be their truest self despite the ways life encounters have shaped reality. I am a licensed psychologist who cares about individuals and the way systems impact lived experience. My goal is to help adolescents and young adults feel empowered and make meaning in their lives.

My approach to therapy is open, supportive, and fosters curiosity instead of judgment. I work to help clients achieve insight about the origins of symptoms, while at the same time providing ways to cope with distressing emotions in the present. Our lives can be full of challenges that leave us feeling sad, overwhelmed, alone, and afraid. Sometimes we are unable to understand why we harbor such feelings. Therapy allows us to sort through our emotions, unhelpful behaviors, and negative self-beliefs so that we can continue on with more clarity, self-assurance, purpose, and happiness.

Therapy is an invaluable tool for anyone seeking growth, personal insight or struggling with a debilitating mental health impairment. I provide psychotherapy for couples and adults working through relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief as well as adjustment issues. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and aligns with a belief that ultimately, the client is the expert in his or her life.

Are you ready to heal, overcome mental health barriers, and make meaningful changes in your life? If you are feeling lost in life, unsatisfied, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, low motivation, burnout, or unhappy and want to find a safe, inviting, and welcoming space for you to start dedicating time to your own healing, and personal growth, then stop waiting and say hello!

Have you been negatively impacted by the Coronavirus? Do you feel overwhelmed with school or work? Is virtual learning giving you or your child anxiety? Or are you affected by immigration issues? If yes to any of these questions, I can help you address these concerns with my years of experience working with individuals of various ages and ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds with diverse needs. I can also help you work through family conflicts to strengthen your family dynamic.

Nobody's life is perfect. At some point, we all will experience symptoms of stress, depression & anxiety. It's important how you manage those symptoms so that the symptoms aren't managing you. When pressures mount at home, work or in relationships, and it feels like you may spontaneously combust into flames- like the legendary Phoenix; then it's time to seek professional help. There is no shame to admit when you feel overwhelmed & struggle to function. Getting help to feel better mentally is no different from getting a problem tooth fixed or stitches to close an open wound-the ultimate goal is to heal & restore proper functioning.

Being our best selves is attainable when we allow ourselves to be on a path of peace, fulfillment, and self-awareness. I hold a passion for helping clients do just that. I work with clients through a holistic & individualistic approach to support them in moving closer to their personal & professional goals. I am here to help you on your journey to finding yourself, being in tune with your needs, and overcoming any trauma that may be hindering this. I specialize in supporting clients overcome anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, workplace & relationship challenges, low career self-efficacy, discrimination, and so much more.

Thank you for taking the first steps toward your healing. I truly believe in the African Proverb, “It Take a Village to Raise a Child”, but it also takes a healthy village to maintain overall wellness and happiness. As a therapist, my goal is to strengthen and provide you with the tools to build and maintain a healthy self. I will support you through difficult times and assist you in developing positive coping skills to maintain a healthy life.

For many years, I’ve had the privilege of working with persons interested in making sense of some of life’s most difficult challenges. As a therapist, I specialize in providing holistic, trauma-informed support in response to all forms of experienced sexual violence, creating safer healing spaces for persons wanting to better understand the impact of such difficult experiences. This often includes, but is not at all limited to, the impact on one’s personal wellness, emotional & mental health management, identity development, self-care strategies, interpersonal connection, & so much more.

I currently work with adolescents and adults of all ages in individual therapy and have a special focus in working with clients holding marginalized identities (e.g., racial/ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities). My ideal client is someone who is willing to bring as much of themselves into the room (e.g., social/cultural identities, personal experiences, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors) in order to foster more self-awareness, growth, and make meaningful life changes.

I am dedicated to helping people realize their personal and relational potential. My expertise and passion is in sex and relationship therapy, and LGBTQ, kink, and poly friendly work. I specialize in issues of trauma, sexual assault and abuse, and domestic violence. I assist people in understanding their unhelpful thinking patterns, navigating healthy relationship dynamics, and difficulties in communication.

Are you, your teen, or your preteen struggling with feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, or low energy? Are your teens engaging in risky behaviors or just not performing to their potential in school? Have you experienced trauma or do you face PTSD? Working together, we will tailor therapy to support your needs, your goals, and your family. You can build resilience, or help your children build resilience, to manage the ups and downs of life. Contact me via phone, text, or email. I am looking forward to helping you build practical coping skills that you can use to build a better future.

**As of September 2020 I am not currently accepting new clients** My specialty and passion is working with highly motivated young professionals seeking support with stressful life transitions, career/identity development, and interpersonal relationships. Many of my clients often seek therapy during periods of heightened anxiety, depression, and other mood-related issues, as well as to address past traumas and/or grief and loss. Additionally, as a holistic mental health practitioner, I will encourage you to develop a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection as a powerful tool to improve your daily life and wellbeing.