Therapy first and foremost is about the human connection that invites genuineness and vulnerability. And being vulnerable is petrifying. As a therapy client myself, I took a few weeks to feel somewhat comfortable with my first therapist. Therefore, I strive to create a therapy space where you feel safe enough to experience and talk about difficult feelings. I invite you to come as you are. Change occurs in the blanket of emotional safety. You deserve to be seen.

My practice is rooted in the idea of accepting and embracing our whole humanity, the highs and the lows. I do not label feelings as bad or good. Feelings are simply information. We are meant to feel sad, disgusted, anxious, joyful, angry, and more. It can become a problem when we start to judge our feelings. “Why do I keep feeling sad/anxious?” Or worst, attaching our identity to our feelings “I am so stupid for feeling ____?” These questions are no stranger to me and among my clients. It is alright to have rough days without saying “I suck.” Healing occurs when we give ourselves full permission to feel. You are allowed to feel.

Most of us go through our day on autopilot or survival mode. In stressful situations, we react instead of respond. We yell, scream, stress-eat, act out, or shut down. Each of us probably has some ideas of the messiness that these behaviors could lead to. It is important to pause and ask, “How would I want to respond in this situation? What would serve me in the long run?” A pause means focusing on our human experience (thoughts, feelings, physical sensation) in the very present moment. The practice of such awareness gives us the power to choose what we want our days to feel like. You are in control.

I practice in a social justice framework that acknowledges the impacts of the systems we live in. Our family culture, schools, neighborhood, race, financial background, etc. I bring curiosity to how your privileged and marginalized identities affect the current problem. You are the expert in your lived experiences

I am a strong believer that healing occurs when we feel supported by our community. We are not meant to do it alone. The meaning of community is very personal; it can be our family, friends, coworkers, or chosen families. As your therapist, I would assist you in reinventing or cultivating your own community. You are deserving of support.

As difficult as it might feel right now, I believe that you carry such unique strength. What is one area in life where you feel most capable? Is it through art, music, exercise, school, or in your relationships? I am curious about what strength looks like for you. You are capable.