I spent a decade working in non-profits - refugee resettlement, community mental health, with people experiencing homelessness and/or HIV. I take an anti-oppression, harm reduction, and strengths-based approach to my work.
I have particular experience working with immigrants and refugees and their families. I love to help people dealing with loss and grief, going through major life transitions, learning to live in a new culture, and suffering from the effects of trauma. I strive to learn as much as I can about culture and how it impacts people's mental health, family life, and how we move through the world.
I also know that you don’t have to be an immigrant to experience feeling lonely and out of place, or to suffer with grief, anxiety, loss or painful experiences in the past. For example, if you identify as neurodiverse/neurodivergent (ADD, ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, etc) then we might be a good fit. I also can help with and understand religious trauma - while respecting the value that religious beliefs and structures can hold for many people. Or if you are going through something really hard in your life and feeling overwhelmed by it, I want to help you to feel like you are not alone in your suffering and to find some relief.
My goal is that you feel truly listened to and understood, and that you can take away some new insights, information, or skills that help you. I won’t push you to share more than you feel ready to - but I will push gently if you need me to! I can suggest skills or new ideas we can try together to help you to deal with these difficult emotions. I particularly like recommending books! I incorporate aspects of modalities like CBT, movement therapy, DBT skills, self-compassion, and have done training in EMDR and ERP.
What is a therapy session with me like?
The first session I ask a bunch of slightly-disjointed questions to get to know you, fulfill my paperwork requirements (just being honest!), and start to formulate goals with you.
I usually let you lead with what's been on your mind, or see if you want help structuring sessions a bit more (by suggesting topics, bringing up things we talked about before to check in, suggesting we try something like EMDR for part of a session, or giving reminders/redirections if you know you are a talker but want to get to certain subjects within the time - or if you need more of a push or questions to get to what's deeper).
Laugh and cry if you need to. I do laugh a lot - maybe my clients are particularly funny? Or I have a kindof dark sense of humor? I hope you won't be offended -- I won't laugh at you.
We can analyze your feelings or an interaction together and I'll try to redirect if we're getting into "analysis paralysis."
I'll make comments about what I notice - connections, disconnections, reframing, relating to your past experiences, etc.
I don't always know what to say, but I'm listening deeply. It's not like you're just talking to a blank wall (or ChatGPT) - I've got an (informed, but imperfect) human take on what you share with me.
I'm pretty big on informed consent - I like to explain a therapeutic approach and give you options
I might suggest trying something either together in session- like a short grounding or breathing exercise -or at home, if you indicate you are open to that.
I'm generally warm and encouraging. I'll cheer you on!
Sometimes I'll share a little anecdote about myself or from my history if I think it'll help you, but I generally just let it be all about you.