Your Gear
What's Your Story?
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained in systems theory. This means I don’t just focus on the issues you bring, the solutions you seek, or the strategies to achieve them. Instead, I consider all the systems you are part of and are influenced by, both internally and externally—whether they are small or large. Each part of a system (such as couples, families, workplaces, schools, friendships, culture, and society) interacts with others, forming patterns and dynamics. These interactions shape the narratives that tell your life story and define your perceived role in it.
In therapy, I want to understand your story—what has happened, how you arrived where you are, who is involved in your life, and what you desire. As you share your experiences, we will explore different options and strategies to help you shape how you want your story to unfold from the very first session.
What to Expect in Therapy
Sessions are generally unstructured, reflective, conversational, collaborative, and experiential. From our first meeting, we become part of each other’s stories. Our sessions focus not only on what has happened in your life so far but also on how you envision the future unfolding. We work together based on what you're ready to discuss and address, building on your strengths and successes to help you achieve your goals.
Although therapy is mostly unstructured, there are times when some guidance is needed to help you get "unstuck." This guidance may include interventions to reframe and challenge thoughts, behaviors, and perspectives; assigning experiential or expressive "homework"; offering psychoeducation about the issues you're facing; recommending relevant reading, listening, or viewing materials; or suggesting additional services to complement your therapy.
Therapy can be an uplifting, rewarding, and empowering experience, but it can also be challenging. Facing and changing established thoughts, behaviors, or dynamics can be frustrating and may feel daunting. The process of healing can be tiring, but it becomes easier as you start to embrace change rather than fear it.
The Therapeutic Relationship
Healing work is challenging and requires a certain level of compassion and empathy from the therapist you choose. I consider myself naturally compassionate, intuitive, and empathic, and I incorporate these traits into the therapeutic relationship. As your therapist, I am no stranger to the cliffhangers, climaxes, villains, multi-dimensional characters, and traumatic chapters that are often part of a riveting novel. This combination of personal, professional, and academic experience, I believe, uniquely qualifies me to assist you on your journey while you retain complete authorship of your own story. I strive to create a safe, inclusive, non-judgmental, and culturally sensitive environment.
