The resilience that I have seen as a therapist never ceases to amaze me. I have been moved to tears on more than one occasion as I have witnessed clients shift from despair to excitement about the possibilities for their own healing - from paralyzing fear and anxiety to joy and flexibility - from self-hatred to self-love. I have witnessed families locked into destructive patterns learn to love each other again. I have felt the power of someone realizing that the wisdom that touched them so deeply and shifted their perspective, came from within themselves.

Healing is possible. It is within reach. You deserve the chance to change your life for the better.

Anxiety
Assertive Communication
Developmental Trauma
Divorce
Body Image
Emotional Dysregulation
Women's Issues and Sexuality
Grief/Loss
Gifted Teens/Adults

Mindfulness
LGBTQQI+ Ally
Major Life Changes/Transitions
Trauma
Psychedelic Integration

Specific Trauma Modalities: Brainspotting, Clinical Hypnotherapy, DBT, Drama Therapy, Somatic Awareness and Parts Work, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
I offer individual therapy using a range of modalities to address trauma and the above-mentioned specialties. Individual therapy takes on the flavor of the client that walks through my door. My work is intensive and trauma-focused.  I am often asked to be an adjunctive therapist to those already in therapy to target specific traumas, behaviors and emotional distress. Everyone who comes into my office is welcome and I will work hard to create an environment that fits your needs. If I am unable to do so, I am more than happy to refer you to another therapist that might fit your needs.

GROUP THERAPY
I am also a skilled group therapist and workshop facilitator. I believe that groups can be a very powerful tool to help others feel witnessed and connected as they share their challenges and triumphs and practice skills with others. In October 2023 I will be offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy groups, which are often a more financially viable way to experience the benefits of Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy.

NOW OFFERING KETAMINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY (KAP)

I will begin offering both individual and group Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and Psychedelic Integration Therapy beginning in October 2023.

Please go here for more information 

TRAUMA WORK
I have completed many trainings over the years in modalities to treat trauma, and the more people I have worked with in therapy and interact with in the community, the more I realize that trauma is "everywhere". We are all so deeply affected by the big and small traumas that we have experienced throughout our lives. From the kids at school who made fun of us when we got our braces in middle school, to the unexpected death of a loved one, to the repeated experience of physical, emotional or sexual abuse; we have all had moments where our safety or identity were threatened, where we were shocked by the experience or reactions of others, where we felt helpless or powerless, and where we felt isolated or unseen in our pain.

Those moments created not only a physiological response that was initially designed to protect us, (and that may no longer be working for us in our lives today), but also faulty beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. Depth and trauma work is about finding those activating experiences, going back inside to help that "version" of ourselves understand what happened from a more balanced and compassionate place, discharging the emotions associated with the event and recreating a new version of the event that "corrects" the mistaken negative belief that was formed. It is powerful, and transformative work.

I most often use Brainspotting, IFS, and Somatic/Embodiment work to facilitate gentle exploration of trauma. I am beginning to use KAP (Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy) for trauma treatment as well.

BODY IMAGE CHALLENGES:
I was a lead clinician facilitating groups and individual/family therapy at Full Heart Eating Disorder Treatment Center before it closed it's doors. I work closely with Janelle Estournes, the former Dietitian at Full Heart. The intersection of trauma and eating disorders cannot be understated. It is a privilege to work with these women on their journey toward recovery and self-love/acceptance.

TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS
I am also available for training, workshops and skill building activities on a case by case basis. I have co-facilitated diversity trainings for the County of Mendocino and led diversity and group communication workshops/trainings at different job sites.

I specialize in Trauma-Informed Care Trainings for medical and mental health practitioners and organizations, as well as for coaches and wellness practitioners.  I have a one hour presentation that I can deliver to your organization to get the conversation started.  I am also available for deeper trainings and consultation/coaching of your team.

BRAINSPOTTING, IFS AND EMBODIMENT/SOMATIC APPROACHES
I offer Brainspotting and Embodiment/Somatic sessions both within a traditional therapy relationship and as a specific service/modality for those coming in to address a very specific issue. You have a choice about whether you would like to go through the therapy process, (which includes a bio-psycho-social assessment, a treatment plan, possibly a diagnosis and potentially billing your insurance company) or a more brief and solution focused approach using Brainspotting/Somatic Processes (because I am a licensed therapist this would still include a bio-psycho-social assessment and treatment plan, but the treatment would be an agreed upon number of sessions to address the specific issue/concern, would be less exploratory/process oriented and would not be covered by insurance on its own).

As a professional therapist, my role is to guide you as you take steps towards positive life changes, healing, and a healthy mind. Therapy is a collaborative process and you know you much better than I ever could. We will work as a team to uncover and better understand your particular challenges and strengths. We will work collaboratively to identify the stressors that detract from your life, your sense of vitality and your focus, and we will begin identifying and practicing skills that will empower you to transform your life through changing your thoughts and behaviors.

There is no such thing as a one size fits all therapeutic approach. Therapy is meant to be an individual experience, and I treat it as such, with deep compassion. I want to provide support and encouragement while also offering practical resources that you can put into practice immediately in your life. I use modern approaches, as well as those methods that have weathered the test of time, to fit each client’s individual needs with understanding. My role is not to judge, but to help you explore your own beliefs, experiences and desires. Everyone can achieve more personal growth and strength, and it’s an honor to work on that together.

I began my therapeutic training in high school, when I realized that others came to me naturally with their challenges and stories of trauma. I became a peer counselor and worked with peers to help them manage crisis, talk things out, and to provide resources for them. As a massage therapist for over 15 years, I seemed to draw into my practice those that had experienced trauma in their bodies and in their psyches, and that became a specialty of mine. As a theatre artist, I began to help others tell their personal stories, and many if not most of them had an aspect of trauma to them. I decided to heed the clear calling to work with those who have experienced trauma and went back to school to get my Master's in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Drama Therapy and training in Hypnotherapy.