Children
Children have a unique perspective, as they process and interact with the world around them for the first time. Fostering positive thought patterns about themselves and their potential as they continue to develop is a key component within child psychology. Studies show that learning how to articulate and understand one’s emotions from a young age leads to better emotional regulation as an adult. Therefore, when working with children, I believe it is important to focus on emotional processing and regulation by working with each client and their respective support systems. By creating a team with parents and their children, support through the therapy process can be effective. Through play therapy techniques, client-led direction within sessions, and a willingness to engage with children on their level of understanding, I believe we can create tools to set child clients up for success throughout their developmental years.Adolescent / Teen
Being a teenager has a significant amount of changes, pressure, and development. These years are fundamental towards learning about our identities, our boundaries, and our expectations. However, trying to navigate through the changes of school, responsibilities, relationships, and the understanding of who we are is not always smooth sailing. For many, this is the age where we experience a whole lot of ‘firsts’. It may be the first time we have been hurt by someone emotionally, gone through a major lifestyle change, or decided to explore a part of our identity that we have not yet expressed as a child. Trying to find our way amongst all of this sometimes needs another pair of eyes. My role as a therapist is to help you through this process. By exploring what is adding to your plate and where you need some help unloading, I find that together we can work through solutions and strategies to lessen the weight you may be feeling.Couples
Relationships can be difficult to navigate as there are more than one set of opinions and ways of looking at scenarios. One individual may see a 6, while the other may see a 9—both are right, but in different ways. My role as a therapist is to uncover the strengths within your relationship and help to navigate through the areas that are putting pressure on each of you. We each have strengths and quirks that contribute to the relationships within our lives; therefore, my goal is to help in fostering the ways in which our past experiences, expectations, and boundaries may have an effect on how we may respond within our relationships. I primarily focus on the importance of communication skills, attachment styles, and thought patterns. I am Gottman Method Couples Trained (Level 1).
LGBTQ+ and Gender Identity
Within a heteronormative society, confusion, seclusion, and uncertainty may be primary feelings that occur if you identify as LGBTQ+. While society is working towards inclusivity and understanding for people of all walks of life, it can still be an area in which unacceptance and loneliness may be felt. Moreover, feeling as though you do not conform to the expectations of others around you can become a tedious task. This can have an effect on the relationships we have with our families, friends, coworkers, and so on. As an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, I strive to provide a space that is judgement free and one in which you can feel safe exploring and expressing yourself in the ways that you are comfortable. My role as a therapist is to work with you through the complexities that come with identifying who we are, how we want to be perceived, and our own self-acceptance.
