How I Work

I want to create a safe, nonjudgmental, online space for you where you can talk about your experiences and be actively responded to. Clients have said they find me to be compassionate, warm, engaged, informed, and "easy-going but with a strong backbone." As a holistic practitioner with a 12 year background in professional massage therapy, I address the "whole" of the self that seeks healing - mind, body and spirit.  As an Integrative Psychotherapist, I am likely to draw from a combination of therapeutic principles and creative techniques that, in unique combination, can help you cope with difficult emotions, gain insights, and meet your goals. These techniques may include:

  • teaching and strongly encouraging mindfulness meditation as a daily practice and as a way to acknowledge and "be with" distressing emotions (this work grounded in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction)

  • somatic, mind-body approaches (Breathwork, Voice Dialogue, “Parts Work”, Trauma Resiliency Model, Seeking Safety Model, Hakomi techniques, and verbal approaches derived from years as a Level I Trauma Touch massage therapist)

  • exercises drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (MBCBT)

  • EMDR for the treatment of trauma

  • techniques based in:

    • acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

    • shame resilience theory (based upon Brene Brown, Ph.D.'s work)

    • narrative and story therapy

    • inner child work

  • expressive writing, journaling, and other expressive arts techniques which can include visual art or performance

  • an ongoing awareness of feminist therapy principles

  • existential inquiry

  • an exploration of your personal spiritual belief system

  • basic coaching techniques to identify interests, values, and goals that inspire

  • guided imagery to build strong reservoirs of imagery and archetypal parts within

  • wellness assessment (exploring how lifestyle choices may be impacting mood and energy)

  • and investigation into the "meaning, purpose, and passion" in life

Also, and most importantly, I am keenly aware of how our inner selves are impacted not only by what we've come into this world with and what has happened to us, but also by our relationships, and our financial, social, cultural, and political realities.  I will help you gain ever greater compassion for yourself in light of these sometimes oppressive influences.