About
When I began my training, I believed that the therapist held the knowledge, and the idea was to transfer that knowledge to the patient so the patient could gain insight and evolve. After 11 years in practice, I’ve learned it’s so much more complex. Therapy is an intersubjective process through which both parties receive, learn, and connect as humans the room together. While I do possess expertise and experience, I view you as the author of your own story. I have found it’s possible to hold this value- the autonomy of the patient- and to provide interactive, nonjudgemental, direct, and loving support. The less pressure and/or labeling of how and why your struggles manifest, the more space you have to grow.
I will be a good fit for couples and individuals dealing with issues related to interpersonal conflict, trauma, addictions, life transitions, low self-image, social anxieties, and difficulty controlling anger. I love working with artists and those who may be questioning if what they experienced in the past could be considered “trauma.” I have experience with individuals at the outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and inpatient levels of care. If you looking for guidance in making decisions about the appropriate level of care for your particular mental health circumstances, I am an excellent resource. If you have any needs related to criminal-justice involvement, please reach out. I have worked to support many people in following through with court-mandated treatment.
I am a Level 2 trained practitioner of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and have found it is the best way to enable this growth and healing from difficult experiences and longstanding internal struggles. I also practice with Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO), essentially IFS for couples, to deepen connection, shift repetitive dynamics, and to address significant wounds in relationships. You can read more about IFS here:
https://ifs-institute.com/resources/articles/internal-family-systems-model-outline
While I believe IFS is a highly effective treatment for trauma, addiction, and any type of distress you may be facing, I also have extensive training in psychodynamic models, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, interpersonal therapy, ACT, and dialectical behavioral therapy. My years of experience working with co-occurring trauma and addiction, relationship challenges, and complex mood disorders have taught me that every client is unique. I am informed by these other ways of practicing and thinking and am always happy to collaboratively determine what may work best for achieving your goals.
I offer both in-person and virtual sessions in a comfortable office just south of Takoma in DC and look forward to partnering with you to support increased connection to self and others.
