Therapy with Me...
Some of my identities: neurodivergent parent of three children, advocate/activist, educator, queer, married, lifelong learner. I'm on a continuous journey of self discovery that continues to inform work I do as a therapist and helps with presenting myself authentically. It's my belief that while a therapist need not provide their whole life story to clients, they also don't need to be a blank slate. My office is judgment free and you should feel free to show up as the whole human being you are, whoever and however that may be on a given day.
Each person has a unique history, with differing needs and abilities. I consider all facets of this, including systemic barriers outside the control of a person or group. Sometimes masking parts of ourselves is a mechanism implemented for safety, and it can be beautiful to witness folks willing to challenge cultural norms through radical acceptance of their full selves. For parents, partners and support persons, self compassion is critical. There is no perfection we're striving for, we're constantly learning and becoming more attuned to the needs of ourselves and those we care for. You're doing better than you give yourself credit for, I assure you.
My core focus:
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Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy
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LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy
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Family/Parent/Partners support
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PDA, ADHD, HSP, AudHD, 2E, Autism, OCD
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Support w/School Concerns
Therapy works best when we're collaborating and honoring each other's experiences. I don't require a client to show up in the room with any specific expectations on them. Come as you are. You won't leave the room with "homework" unless such a directive style truly helps to create structure in aspects of your day, and that would be an organic goal we discover together. The world is full of demands on your nervous system, coming to therapy should not feel like a stressful experience.
Folks of all ages may find peace and safety through expression outside the realm of language. Art and play may be therapeutic in a tactile sensory type way, helping us communicate things we struggle finding words to express. We use somatic methods, learning to become more at ease with our embodied selves, and to find safety and calm through mindfulness techniques. There are many ways to work together and we will explore what works best for the unique individual with a customized approach.