At the core of my approach to therapy is a belief that you are the expert of your life, your inner system and your external systems.
How I work:
I have received post-graduate training in Internal Family Systems therapy and narrative therapy.
Internal Family Systems therapy and narrative therapy are both approaches which are non-pathologizing and non-judgmental (neither therapy views clients as "broken"; instead, they offer ways to construct more empowering perspectives on personal struggles), and both are fairly atypical in our Western medical and mental health settings.
I regularly consult with other clinicians to maintain ‘best practices.’ I am pursuing IFS certification at the current time; I participate in individual IFS supervision (1 hour/month) and an IFS consultation group (2 hours/month.) I also participate in my own IFS therapy and have for several years. That has given me a personal and deep understanding, appreciation, and respect for the IFS model. It has also helped me become more aware of which ‘parts’ of me might show up when I am sitting in the therapist chair (foundationally, therapists describe that as ‘countertransference.’)
Due to being trained in Internal Family Systems therapy, I’ve had the opportunity to provide therapy to a fairly significant number of therapists. I really enjoy doing so; I have a lot of understanding about balancing our personal struggles with being in a helping professional role. In addition to my work with other helping professionals, I also have a special interest in working with clients in established recoveries. I like working with clients who are committed to the IFS process and have much admiration for them. Truthfully, though, I am eager to help anyone who walks through my office door.
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Internal Family Systems therapy is a psychotherapy approach that views the mind as composed of multiple sub-personalities or "parts," each with its own emotions, beliefs, and roles. Developed by psychologist Richard Schwartz, IFS helps individuals identify and heal wounded parts while fostering balance and harmony within their internal system. The therapy emphasizes the presence of a core Self, which is confident, compassionate, and capable of leading the internal system. By working with these parts rather than suppressing them, IFS aims to resolve internal conflicts and promote psychological well-being.
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Narrative therapy is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals reshape their personal stories to foster empowerment and healing. Developed in the 1980s by Michael White and David Epston, it views people as separate from their problems, allowing them to reinterpret their experiences in a more constructive way. By externalizing issues and exploring alternative narratives, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their strengths and values, ultimately leading to positive change. An example of a narrative question is: “how would your life change if your story was about overcoming adversity rather than being defined by shame?”
“Externalizing is not a technique. It’s a way of seeing people. If you don’t believe, to the bottom of your soul, that people are not their problems and that their difficulties are social and personal constructions, then you won’t be seeing these transformations. When Epston or White are in action, you can tell they are absolutely convinced that people are not their problems. Their voices, their postures, their whole beings radiate possibility and hope. They are definitely under the influence of optimism.”
Bill O’Hanlon, regarding Michael White and David Epston
“All speech is demand. Every demand [is] a request for love.”
Jacques-Marie-Émile-Lacan
I provide treatment for:
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Your mind races nonstop, thoughts spiraling into endless "what ifs." Even when you know things are fine, anxiety clings to the worst-case scenario. Physically, your chest tightens, your heart pounds, and deep breaths feel impossible. The restlessness is overwhelming—you want to move, to escape, but the worry follows. You try to quiet it, but anxiety refuses to let go. People say “just relax,” but if only it were that simple. It’s not just overthinking—it’s feeling trapped in your own mind.
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You feel weighed down, like a heavy fog surrounds you, making everything seem distant and exhausting. Even the simplest tasks take more energy than you have, and motivation feels out of reach. You withdraw—not because you want to, but because it’s easier than pretending. The things that once brought joy feel hollow, and emotions blur into numbness. Some days, sadness creeps in without reason; other days, there’s just emptiness. You want to feel better, to break free—but depression holds tight, making even hope feel impossible.
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You feel detached, as if the world is happening around you but not to you. Moments blur, and time slips in strange ways—you’re there, but not fully present. Some memories feel distant, others rush back without warning, bringing emotions too sharp to escape. Your body reacts before your mind catches up—heart racing, muscles tensing, a sudden need to run or freeze. You try to ground yourself, to feel real, but your trauma lingers in the background, pulling you between hyperawareness and numbness. Even when you want to move forward, the ghosts of your past cling to you like a shadow, shaping the way you see yourself and the world.
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Emotions can feel overwhelming and unpredictable, shifting suddenly between anxiety, shame, and deep sadness. Trusting others might feel nearly impossible, as early experiences taught you that relationships can be unsafe or unstable. You may struggle with a strong fear of abandonment, even in seemingly secure connections, or feel disconnected from yourself and others, making relationships difficult to navigate. Your nervous system remains on high alert, making it hard to relax—hypervigilance and emotional flashbacks can make everyday situations feel threatening. A persistent sense of emptiness or emotional numbness might leave you questioning who you are beyond your trauma. Your inner critic can be relentless, reinforcing negative beliefs about yourself and fueling self-doubt. Identity confusion and difficulty regulating emotions can lead to impulsive behaviors, avoidance, or shutdowns. You feel like you are just surviving most moments, rather than ever truly living your life.
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Are you concerned about an issue that isn’t on this list? You might encounter a challenging life transition, suffer from panic attacks, deep shame, low self-esteem, people pleasing, or perfectionism. I can probably help you with it, or help you find someone who can. Let’s talk about it and work together to find the best path forward.