“Healing is embracing what is most feared; healing is opening what has been closed, softening what has hardened into obstruction, healing is learning to trust life.” – Jeanne Achterberg
Trauma
Trauma can come in many forms and ranges a span of different experiences such as physical, sexual, emotional abuse, childhood neglect, living with a family member or loved one with mental health or substance use disorders, poverty, racism, discrimination, oppression and violence.
I define trauma as any experience that you have that impacts and changes your life and daily functioning. It is a response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event(s) that overwhelms our ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes our sense of self and ability to feel a full range of emotions. My years of experience working with sexual assault survivors has helped me develop a compassionate and trauma-informed approach to therapy. I’ve helped individuals who’ve felt disconnected from their world find safety in relationships again.
LGBTQIA+
Although it shouldn’t be viewed as a specialization there is no denying that individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ deal with aspects of life impacted by the heteronormative and heterocentric paradigms. For some, challenges with acceptance and exploration of your sexuality can be challenging. For others, your sexual identification can impact the relationships that you have with your family, friends, cultural and religious upbringing. I’ve helped individuals who have felt isolated, othered and disregarded find security and acceptance within themselves.
Relationships
Are you struggling with relationships? Do you find yourself longing to fully understand who you are and why you may make the choices that you make? Learning to love and accept yourself -and your choices- can seem like a challenge, but it is possible. Life consists of the multitude of relationships that we have throughout our lifetime. Each person that ventures into our lives, regardless of how brief, can leave meaningful impressions that help shape how we conduct ourselves with others or how we view ourselves. I can help you on your journey to understanding the connection between relationships and behaviors and foster a healthier relationship with yourself and others.
Military
It is a unique experience to serve within the armed forces and regardless of tours overseas, your time serving your country has influenced who you are now. The hardships that one encounters is never limited to one specific thing. It ranges from processing your time away in combat, the impact it has had in the relationship with your significant other and children, it is the adjustment that you face once leaving service and exiting the bubble that the military created for you which is unlike the civilian world. Finding your way back or accepting the changes that have taken place can be a difficult journey to embark on. I understand, first-hand, the impact having a loved one in service has upon the family. The fracture in self and others that occurs. Let me help you find a way forward.
Incarceration
Finding a therapist who can hold compassion, acceptance and understanding is a hard feat to accomplish in the best of times. And for those who have experienced incarceration at any point in their lives they can experience feelings of shame, disconnection, isolation and an immense sense of loss. My work within the juvenile system and county jail has instilled in me a deep-seated understanding of the lack of empathy that one experiences while incarcerated. The isolation, loss of control and power is a trauma that roots itself inside of someone, making it difficult to navigate the world untouched by the experience inside. I can offer a space that is accepting and encouraging to move forward in your daily life. Let me help you find your footing again.
Alternative Lifestyles
Navigating the world that many may consider outside of the societal box can be a challenge. And often, we may struggle with the feelings that arise as we explore our interest in kink, fetish, sado-masochistic practices, or ethical non-monogamy. Therapy should be a safe place where you can discuss, examine and process those confusing waters, but many worry about the acceptance or judgment that a therapist may have or feel as though they need to educate their therapist. I can promise your work with me will not be filled with that uncertainty.