Specialities

First Responders

As a mental health clinician and trauma therapist, I am dedicated to serving first responders; creating a supportive and understanding environment is paramount. I aim to establish trust and rapport by acknowledging the unique challenges and stressors you face in your high-demand careers. My goal is to provide a safe space where you feel comfortable discussing your experiences without judgment. Nothing you can say will shock or distress me. I’ve got you!

In sessions, I'll employ evidence-based techniques tailored to your needs, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and stress management strategies. These tools will help you develop coping skills to navigate the intense demands of your profession while promoting resilience,self-care, and trauma resolution.

I'll offer psychoeducation on topics like trauma, burnout, retirement challenges and the importance of seeking support. By fostering a culture of openness and collaboration, I encourage first responders to prioritize their own mental health and seek assistance when needed.

By utilizing brain-based, evidence supported, trauma resolution techniques, like EMDR and Brain Spotting, I hope to help unburden your load and help you clear out headspace for living a more balanced life.

I stay informed about the unique culture and challenges within the first responder community, allowing me to tailor my approach and interventions accordingly.

Through ongoing support and guidance, my goal is to equip first responders with the resources and resilience to thrive both personally and professionally amidst the demands of their career and beyond retirement.

Faith Transitions

I have specialized experience in supporting individuals who are transitioning from high-demand religions in creating fulfilling and meaningful lives outside of their religious paradigm.

Navigating such a transition is challenging. I would love to accompany you on your journey of self-discovery and empowerment. I understand personally the unique complexities and emotions involved in leaving a high-demand religion. I am here to provide you with the support and guidance you need every step of the way.

I will help you explore your beliefs, values, and identity outside of your previous religious framework. I offer a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can freely express your thoughts, intellectual ideas, and emotions without fear of criticism, moral judgment, or misunderstanding.

Through individually tailored therapy sessions, we will work together to uncover your strengths, passions, and goals for the future. The goal is to empower you to create new templates for living that align with your authentic self and allow you to thrive beyond what you ever thought possible.

Whether you are grappling with feelings of grief, guilt, loneliness, or uncertainty, or you simply need someone to listen and validate your experiences, I am here to support you.

Together, we will explore coping strategies, build resilience, and cultivate an updated sense of purpose and meaning in your life.

You don't have to be on this journey alone.

Marginalized Communities

My clinical mental health practice is committed to providing a safe and affirming space for all individuals, including those from marginalized communities such as BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities.

I welcome and support individuals who are impacted by oppressive systems. I am passionate about validating your experiences. We strive to be a safe person who creates an environment of equity and understanding, where people are celebrated and encouraged with compassion and respect as we deconstruct systems and beliefs that may inhibit you from achieving your desired life outcomes.

I am committed to continuing education and collaboration about how to best support you therapeutically. I understand my limitations as a cis-gendered, white person, and am humbled by your trust in me. I hope to walk along side you as a supporter, ally, and your biggest fan!

Modalities We Use

EMDR (EMDRIA CERTIFIED)

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), is a form of psychotherapy that helps people heal from symptoms of emotional distress or trauma by processing memories in a way that reduces their intensity. It involves recalling distressing experiences while focusing on external stimuli like eye movements or tapping, which helps the brain reprocess the memories in a healthier way.

As an EMDR certified clinician, my approach to treating clients involves a structured yet flexible process.

First, I'll conduct a thorough assessment to understand your unique needs and history, ensuring EMDR is appropriate for you. Then, I'll explain the EMDR process, addressing any questions or concerns you may have.

During sessions, I'll guide you through bilateral stimulation while focusing on distressing memories or beliefs. Through this process, we'll work together to reprocess these memories, allowing you to integrate them in a healthier way.

I'll provide support and guidance as needed, ensuring you feel safe and empowered throughout the process.

Between sessions, I'll encourage self-care and reflection, helping you to process any emotions or insights that arise. As we progress, we'll continually reassess your goals and adjust our approach accordingly.

Ultimately, my goal as an EMDR certified clinician is to empower you to heal from past traumas and lead a more fulfilling life, equipped with the tools and resilience to navigate future challenges.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely-used therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, CBT helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and behavior patterns.

In the treatment of depression, CBT helps clients recognize and reframe distorted or negative thoughts that contribute to feelings of hopelessness and despair. By changing these thought patterns, individuals can experience improved mood and a greater sense of control over their emotions.

For anxiety disorders, CBT teaches individuals techniques to confront and manage anxious thoughts and behaviors. Through exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring, clients gradually learn to face their fears and develop effective strategies for managing anxiety.

CBT is also effective in treating other mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders. By addressing the underlying cognitive and behavioral factors contributing to these conditions, CBT helps individuals regain a sense of balance and stability in their lives.

CBT offers practical and evidence-based strategies that empower individuals to overcome challenges, improve their mental health, and lead more fulfilling lives.

I have benefited greatly from incorporating these skills into my everyday life, and I hope you will too!

Brain Spotting Therapy

Brain spotting therapy is a cutting-edge approach to mental health and well-being that can be particularly beneficial for individuals navigating complex emotional experiences. It is a form of psychotherapy that taps into the brain-body connection to help process and release emotional and physical trauma, as well as negative beliefs and patterns.

During these sessions, I will help you identify and process unresolved issues by guiding your focus to specific points in your visual field that correspond to areas of heightened emotional activation in the brain. These "brain spots" are identified through a combination of conversation, introspection, and my observation of subtle physical cues.

Brain spotting works by accessing the subconscious mind, where traumatic memories and emotions are often stored. By maintaining focused attention on a brain spot associated with a particular issue, you can access and process these deeply rooted experiences, leading to profound emotional healing and release.

This form of therapy can offer a range of benefits, including rapid and lasting relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other trauma-related disorders. It can also help enhance performance in areas such as sports, creative arts, and personal development by clearing mental blocks and promoting greater emotional resilience.

One of the strengths of brain spotting therapy is its adaptability to individual needs and experiences. I will work closely with you to identify the most relevant brain spots and develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and preferences.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, brain spotting therapy relies less on verbal communication and more on accessing the body's natural healing mechanisms. This makes it suitable for individuals who may struggle to articulate their emotions or who prefer a more experiential approach to therapy.

While brain spotting therapy is a relatively new modality, emerging research and clinical evidence support its efficacy in promoting emotional healing and well-being. Many clients report significant improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life after engaging in brain spotting sessions.

Brain spotting therapy offers a unique and powerful pathway to healing and personal growth, making it an excellent option for individuals seeking support during periods of transition or emotional upheaval. If you're curious about how brain spotting therapy can benefit you, don't hesitate to reach out for more information.