My philosophy on many behaviors and problem patterns we are feeling stuck in at any age is that they are driven by needs we are trying to meet weather we are aware of it or not. In the therapy process  we can explore and discover together what the underlying need might be for you or for your child. Pin pointing the “why” or the driving force underneath an issue can  bring powerful insight and awareness in order to implement lasting and effective strategies that lead to the healing and growth we are seeking.

Processing difficult experiences in an emotionally safe environment can, in itself,  be very powerful and healing. In processing past or present hurts together we can explore what meaning those experiences hold for you and how they continue to impact you or your child. I also believe the body and mind are integrated in the experience of trauma and therapy must target both body and mind for optimal healing. I have extensive training in treating trauma, particularly child trauma, how it impacts the brain and body and manifests itself in relational interactions with caregivers and others.

I believe that our early attachment experiences have a tremendous impact on how we view and interact with the world. Bringing understanding to those experiences for all ages can be helpful in taking steps forward in personal growth and more meaningful and fulfilling relationships.

I value creating space in therapy for both reflection and processing as well as goal oriented knowledge building and skill development. I am a bit of a research nerd in the areas I am passionate about. I find a combination of reflection, processing, teaching and coaching is usually the most effective way to achieve your goals in coming to therapy.

I hold sacred the relationship of a parent and child. I believe it is unique from any other relationship and holds great power in our life’s journey for the both the parent and the child. I believe as caregivers children can be our greatest teachers. I often involve parents in the therapy process for their child’s benefit. I  believe wholeheartedly  in the connected parenting paradigm which is different from many traditional parenting approaches. It prioritizes secure attachment parenting practices and stands on its own research of effectiveness but I have also witnessed first hand it’s power to reach children when other traditional approaches have failed. I believe it provides the deepest levels of healing and goes the furthest in  achieving our true end goals in parenting, especially children who are hurting emotionally or may have early attachment trauma. I actually believe for all children it creates the richest environment for them to thrive in. Like most good things, it isn’t the easiest path but I believe it’s worth every ounce of effort and investment. Parenting my own children in this way and helping other parents on their journey is I believe one of my life’s work.

I have learned that I thrive best with a balance of a certain variety of care needs in my practice. Besides trauma focused work- I also see children, teens and adults seeking care for other issues like anxiety, depression, navigation of life changes, etc.

Specific therapeutic models I have completed training in:

TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention): I am a trained Trust Based Relational Intervention practitioner.

IFS (Internal Family Systems)

TFCBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): I have completed national certification in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy.

PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Therapy): I have completed full intensive training in Parent Child Interaction Therapy, I continue to use aspects of the connected strategies as well as the in vivo parental coaching method for helping parents learn new ways of parenting. I do no not use or teach the primary discipline strategies recommended by that model. I prefer to coach parents in more of a time-in approach than a time-out approach, especially if there are challenges in attachment present.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy).

Making Sense of Your Worth (I am a trained group facilitator, besides running groups, I pull pieces of the curriculum into individual sessions when beneficial to client’s needs or goals)