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. I can suggest skills or new ideas we can try together to help you to deal with these difficult emotions. I incorporate aspects of modalities like CBT, movement therapy, DBT skills, self-compassion, and have done training in EMDR and ERP.