I’m so glad we’ve found one another. I know how nerve-wracking it can be to begin the search for a therapist, whether this is your first or fifth time. Phew - Take a deep breath, you’ve made it this far. 

 

When our identities, our bodies, and our brains feel seen, heard, and safe in a therapeutic relationship, we are able to delve deeper into issues that brought us to therapy in the first place. This means gaining your trust is my top priority. As you learn what to expect from me – a therapist who is nonjudgmental, compassionate, and maybe curses from time to time – I hope you can also come as you are, no matter what.

 

My therapeutic style is relational and skills-based, making the trust, communication, and vulnerability you practice in session an essential part of the work. I am very conversational and ask a lot of questions, remaining curious about what shows up for you while we are in session. This process can also resemble traditional talk therapy, digging deeper into belief systems or childhood experiences that have you feeling stuck.

 

During our sessions, I will incorporate a lot of learning and skill building from my training in crisis interventions and trauma-informed care. Together, we will practice mindful breathing, effective communication strategies, stress management tools, grounding skills when anxiety gets too overwhelming, and distress tolerance skills for out-of-control moments.

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My hope is for you to learn about yourself so you know how to tune into your body’s warning signs and emotions, and begin moving forward with an intentional response rather than a reaction.

 

This means we will pay attention to patterns in your brain, body sensations, and emotions, discussing appropriate skills to match the moment you are in. My theoretical approach and ongoing training  is based in attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. 

 

I am a White, cisgendered, heterosexual woman, and work to acknowledge the privilege and advantages that come with these identities. An essential part of my own ongoing consultation and education as a therapist is focused on how my identities can either help or hinder creating a space for clients where you feel seen and held with respect for your own identities.  

 

I earned a masters degree in social work from The University of Texas at Austin, following a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!). While a proud North Carolina native, I have loved calling Austin, Texas my home for the past ten years! My typical self-care practices involve being around nature, water, or live music with my own family.