LGBTQ+ Youth and Families

I believe the world’s beauty comes from its natural diversity and variance. This worldview was confirmed when one of my children came out as trans at the age of 11. I became involved in local activism for trans youth, founded a support group for parents of transgender children, and incorporated everything I learned into my practice as a social worker. I understand the importance of affirming care and mental health in the process of transitioning and hope to make these more accessible to navigate.

Though we want to believe we’re living a more open and tolerant society, gender-expansive individuals and their families still experience hardships and discrimination in the present day. My work is centered on creating a safe supportive experience to provide you with the therapeutic skills to help you thrive. I have worked with individuals and their families, supporting them while they navigate various aspects of transition and everyday life.

Depression and Anxiety

Suffering from depression and anxiety can hinder your ability to enjoy the simple moments in life, to a point where you feel you’re missing out on the important milestones you or your loved ones have achieved. If the symptoms of depression or anxiety make it difficult to manage the tasks of a normal day, therapy can be a place to discuss your feelings, process significant life events, and learn strategies for healing and lasting change.

My approach is person-centered (tailored to your needs), and I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy to replace negative thought patterns with reality-based positive thinking. I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to help you learn mindfulness skills which help you live and stay in the present moment. I have trained in and use other strength-focused treatment modalities such as Gestalt, Solution-Focused, Interpersonal, and Narrative therapies. I can also work with you on affirmations which raise your self-esteem and allow you to move through life with gratitude and hope. My intention is to help you discover self-compassion and take an active role to embrace a more content and fulfilling life.

Couples Therapy

There are times in relationships where you may feel disconnected from your partner— lacking communication and physical or emotional intimacy. Regardless of the source of these difficulties, couples therapy addresses your needs in a wholistic and empathetic way.

I work collaboratively with you and your partner to address issues in your relationship while building skills that alleviate miscommunication and tension. I create a safe, comfortable therapeutic environment that allows for self-reflection and positive change. Therapeutic work focuses on strategies that address problems without blame or judgement, allowing both people to feel heard and understood.

In couples therapy I focus on rebuilding communication between you and your partner to help navigate a healing relationship. Points of focus are active listening, affirming one another, and expressing your feelings in a way that allows your relationship to grow through understanding. With time, you will learn to be more affirming of yourself and your partner.