My Approach
"Knowing oneself comes from attending with compassionate curiosity to what is happening within." -Gabor Maté
Relationally-focused
My approach is grounded in relational psychodynamic therapy, which places the therapeutic relationship at the center of healing and growth. I integrate traditional psychoanalytic principles with a contemporary understanding of how interpersonal dynamics shape psychological well-being. My work emphasizes the mutual influence of the therapist-client relationship, exploring unconscious patterns—often rooted in early attachment experiences—and bringing them into conscious awareness. By illuminating these often-hidden processes, we create space for greater agency and insight.
At its core, I believe that healing happens in connection—not only within human relationships but within the larger web of interconnectedness that shapes our lives. Just as we are shaped by our earliest attachments, we are also shaped by the broader systems, communities, and even ecological networks we exist within. By engaging with these layers of relationality, my work deepens self-awareness, facilitates meaningful change, and nurtures a greater sense of belonging and connectedness.
Somatic & Mindfulness-Based
Many of us are taught to think of the mind and body as separate. Somatic-based therapies (starting with Hakomi Mindfulness-Based Somatic Psychotherapy) focus on the mind-body connection and the nervous system, utilizing body awareness and physical sensations to address mental health concerns. Common elements include techniques for grounding, self-regulation, and releasing trauma stored in the body, often involving mindfulness, movement, and breathwork to help clients become more attuned to their bodily experiences and integrate these insights into their healing. I find mindfulness practices particularly helpful as an element of this work.
Liberation-Focused & Anti-Oppressive
My practice involves a focus on recognizing, addressing, and dismantling forms of oppression and marginalization that affect clients and their communities. These practices integrate the perspectives of queer-theory, anti-racist theory, reproductive justice, neurodiversity, disability justice, feminist theory, body positivity, and collective liberation. This includes addressing power dynamics within the therapeutic relationship and clients’ broader social contexts, being client-centered and focusing on the client’s perspective and agency, engaging in advocacy for clients and activism for the community as whole, and continual commitment to education, self-reflection, and accountability.
Trauma-Informed
My approach to psychotherapy is trauma-informed. Grounded in contemporary trauma research, I recognize that trauma affects both the mind and body and is deeply shaped by relational and systemic experiences. I prioritize creating a space that centers safety and agency when exploring attachment patterns, internal conflicts, and the impact of past experiences. This work also includes navigating how trauma interacts with identity, relationships, and broader social structures. Through a collaborative and compassionate process, we work toward healing that honors both intellectual insight and embodied experience. When in doubt, we take things slow.
Parts-Oriented
I take a parts-oriented approach to therapy, recognizing that we all have different aspects of ourselves that hold distinct emotions, beliefs, and experiences. When trauma occurs, these parts may take on protective roles or carry pain in ways that feel conflicting or overwhelming. Rather than seeing them as problems to eliminate, I help clients build curiosity, compassion, and connection with these parts, fostering integration and healing. Through this process, we work toward greater self-understanding, internal harmony, and the ability to respond to life with more flexibility and choice — and play!
Client-Centered
Ultimately, what is most effective is what works for you– there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this work. You are the expert on your own life and what you need from yourself, others and the therapeutic process. My role is to support and collaborate with you, adapting our work to fit your unique needs, pace, and goals. Whether you prefer structured guidance, open-ended exploration, or a mix of both, therapy is a space where you have choice and agency. Together, we create a process that feels meaningful, respectful, and aligned with what supports your growth.
Are you ready to move toward wholehearted healing?
Meaningful change begins with connection– let’s start the conversation.