The Therapeutic Container

Research consistently shows that a healthy, attuned connection is a catalyst for healing, so our journey begins with the foundation of a strong therapeutic relationship. I'm not the "blank screen" therapist who simply smiles, nods, and jots a few things down in her notebook. I’ll use appropriate self-disclosure and share stories or antecdotes to help you feel less alone. I’ll laugh and sometimes even shed a tear. I pride myself in getting in the trenches & being human with you.

Pain often arises from misconceptions about emotions and the essential role they play for all living creatures. Our feelings are messengers, not problems to be fixed. In fact, it's often not the emotions themselves that are causing our problems, but the strategies we use to avoid feeling them. Together, we'll listen to what your feelings are telling you so we can address unmet needs or issues that need attention. Our goal is to build your capacity to embrace the full spectrum of human emotions.

A cornerstone of my practice is getting curious, not labeling. I see most mental health challenges as normal responses to abnormal environments. If someone faced consistent harm, betrayal, or criticism in their relationships, wouldn’t it be reasonable for them to have trust issues? I certainly think so! Together, we explore the impact of your experiences, reframing them without judgment or pathologizing language. It's about understanding the adaptations that served you in challenging situations and identifying strategies that might be more helpful moving forward.

Healing has its own rhythm—it’s almost always non-linear and can’t be rushed. I see it all the time: a client has an intellectual understanding of her patterns and a strong desire to change…but it simply isn't clicking. This is often accompanied by frustration & an urge to "effort more." Then, one day, she comes to session and reveals she finally had that boundary with her mother or ended her stagnant relationship. She can't explain "why now," but simply notes that it just…clicked. Trust and patience are crucial as we navigate the complexities of your journey and the organic unfolding of personal growth. Sometimes, breakthroughs happen when we least expect them.

It is undeniable that the mind and body are intricately linked—in fact, calling them “linked” is a misnomer, as it implies that they are separate entities (but that's a rant for a different day!). About 80% of the communication between them is actually "bottom-up," or from the body to the mind. And this dialogue is mostly happening below conscious awareness. The fact is we can't heal the mind when our nervous system is dysregulated or stuck in danger mode—it simply isn't possible. So, our work will integrate somatic practices to help regulate your nervous system, which provides the framework for further expansion in your life.

Humans are storytellers, and our narratives shape our reality. Indeed, the stories we tell ourselves help us process our experiences and maintain a coherent identity. So, unsurprisingly, perspective is essential for healing and growth. Do we see ourselves as the protagonist in our life story or the victim of circumstance? Is your narrative inspiring hope & action, or is it driving feelings of helplessness & collapse? We'll examine the stories you tell yourself, understanding how they influence your perception and impact your growth.

We don't have control over much in life, but we DO have control over how we choose to show up—where we direct our attention, what we prioritize, and how we behave are always a choice. It's not about perfection; it's about conscious choices, even in the face of challenges.