My Approach
​What we think about, what we do, and how we feel are all related. I use this framework to guide my work with clients.
My approach to psychotherapy is primarily based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), though I draw from aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). In psychotherapy sessions, we will identify unhelpful patterns of avoidance and inflexibility, and work together to change how you relate to unwanted, painful experiences. I focus on what matters most to my clients, what they value, and how this translates into specific actions they can take. Incorporating different forms of mindfulness. relaxation techniques, and interpersonal feedback can also be helpful aspects of therapy, depending on what we are working on.
​
I focus on creating a therapeutic relationship that affirms YOUR identities - recognizing the particular challenges, strengths, and uniqueness that you bring as an LGBTQ+ person. In using LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychotherapy, I bring awareness of how stigma, political oppression and discrimination impact the mental health of my clients, and also seek to build on the resilience, strengths, and self-knowledge that my clients have developed in their lives.
New to therapy? That's okay.
As humans we have the capacity to engage in our lives in new ways, at any age. Dedicating time to therapy can be an important step in sorting things out. Life is complex and difficult at times – everyone can benefit from therapy at some point in their lives.
I recommend we meet weekly at first to gain momentum and make progress, but the pace of sessions is something we can continue to discuss based on your needs. In the intake session we will review paperwork and begin to discuss your goals for therapy, coming up with a plan for our work together. This can change as we collaborate and make adjustments.