What can you expect in our sessions?
We begin by getting to know one another. The first step is for us to slowly develop an alliance built on trust, mutual respect, and commitment to the therapeutic process. This is important because the research shows that the therapeutic alliance between therapist and client is a critical component of successful therapy. It is extremely important that you feel comfortable and safe with me as our comfort level together will have a deep impact on your therapy outcomes.
That means that the most crucial aspect of my job is to make sure that you feel safe, accepted, heard, and understood.
My Therapeutic Approach
I typically use a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness frameworks. Both have been well documented (see here and here) as evidence-based approaches for a variety of mental health concerns. I will thoroughly explain everything we do and questions are always encouraged and welcome!
This work reveals hidden patterns, dynamics, and habits that underlie the symptoms you may be experiencing. This process does take time, but in return, it leads to true and sustainable change.
My style is semi-structured, meaning that you will be doing most of the talking while I actively and deeply listen. I will also guide the discussion to make our time together productive and ensure that we have continuity from week to week so that you have a good sense where you are in the overall process and what we’re working on each week. In most sessions, I will also provide you with information and guidance on strategies that you can implement between our sessions to make the time we spend together highly transformative.
Whether you have engaged in therapy before or if this will be your first time, we will build on your existing knowledge, experience, successes, and strengths and find ways to utilize them in areas of your life where you are feeling challenged or are struggling.
Inclusivity
I place a strong emphasis on multi-cultural counseling practices. Why is this important? Because our racial identity, gender, religion, sexual identity, sexual orientation, abilities, and so forth are interwoven facets of our lived experiences. We are sometimes aware, sometimes not consciously aware, of how these various intersecting dimensions play out as part of both our struggle and our healing. I do the crucial work of regularly examining my own intersectionality. I look at the ways in which I am both impacted by and complicit in systems of privilege. I understand and acknowledge that mental health does not exist in a vacuum. Wherever our various identities may cross, I will meet you with curiosity and openness.
Am I the right therapist for you?
Finding the right therapist can be a confusing, frustrating, and overwhelming process. Making the choice to become vulnerable with someone can feel truly frightening. If after perusing these pages, you feel that you may want to take that next step with me, I want you to know that I hold your decision with a deep sense of respect and I take with utmost care the responsibility that you entrust with me. I try to be transparent and honest in this website to give you a sense of what working with me might be like. A consultation will also give you an extended opportunity to assess our compatibility in working together.