What should I expect in our first session?
You can expect a comfortable and non-judgemental atmosphere as you come into your first session. We will take time to get to know one another; I’ll ask some questions to gain a deeper understanding of what’s bringing you into therapy, and I’ll answer any questions you may have for me. From there, we will start to develop some goals for treatment.
How do you describe your therapeutic approach?
My approach is relational and warm. I want my clients to feel they’re in the room with another human, not a cold, unfeeling robot. My main priority with treatment is to develop an atmosphere of curiosity, trust, and safety so that clients can feel comfortable diving into challenging self-work that therapy involves. I also prioritize taking a systems perspective – looking at how clients interact with the various systems of their lives such as work, school, relationships, community, or larger institutional powers. Once we’ve established a solid foundation, we can work collaboratively to identify values and create goals to start moving you toward a more adaptive and comfortable life where you feel capable and supported.
What are research areas are you interested in?
My undergraduate research was focused on grieving practices in different communities, with specific focus on how death ritual practices (most commonly found in religion) can help support grieving individuals and communities to incorporate and create meaning from their loss. We often don’t know how to talk about death in western cultures, and I find that fascinating!
In another life, if you weren’t working in counseling, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t a therapist, I would be a production potter, making ceramic wares for restaurants, cafes and plant stores.
What’s something your clients might be surprised to learn about you?
I totally nerd out watching the european hip-hop dance battle circuit. I’ve been following some of my favorite dancers since I was a teenager!