I view stress and trauma as being at the root of many mental health challenges. In this context, symptoms are a normal nervous system reaction to an abnormal experience. I am a neurobiology nerd and believe that when we are able to better understand our brain and body we find compassion, safety, gratitude, and hope (look up neuroplasticity!). This understanding helps me target interventions more effectively based on science.
I practice from an attachment and relational lens which boils down to: if our hurt occurred in the context of a relationship (and it almost always does), then our healing must also take place in the context of a relationship. I hope our relationship offers a safe avenue for healing to take place. I believe in the power of mindfulness and self compassion to connect safely with ourselves and others.
I believe that taking care of our mental health is not solely an individual’s job, but a collective task. We need each other. I recognize that symptoms can arise from social factors such as lack of support, access to care, intergenerational trauma and systemic oppression. I am continuously working on shedding the layers of harmful myths ingested from growing up in a racist, patriarchal, heteronormative, fat-phobic, ableist, and individualistic society. I will do my best to compassionately keep us accountable when harmful internalized socialization emerges.
My work is guided by:
- Trauma Informed Therapies
- NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM)
- Attachment / Relationship Theory
- Mind-Body Approaches (Nervous System Regulation)
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness Based / Compassion Focused Approaches
- Feminist Therapy
If you are interested in learning more, schedule your free consultation and I can help answer any questions you may have.