Therapy Philosphy

Five young adults lying on a blanket outdoors, smiling and laughing.

We become who we are through the relationships, communities, and cultures that shape us throughout our lives. In therapy, I work with every aspect of my client’s life to inform a compassionate and individualized approach. My practice is grounded in a person-centered philosophy that prioritizes the therapeutic relationship, and is deeply informed by liberation-focused and disability justice frameworks. My work utilizes a Neurodivergent-affirming approach that centers and prioritizes the well-being of the my client’s specific Neurotype and lived experiences.

Who I Work With

My typical client ranges are adolescents (11+) and adults (18+). Many of the clients  who see me report that they have been told that they are “too difficult” or “resistant to treatment”. A significant number of my clients also identify as BIPOC, Neurodivergent, and/or LGBTQIA+. Though many of my clients align with these identities, I welcome and affirm people from all backgrounds in an inclusive and respectful therapeutic space. 

Specialties

My work focuses on healing the impact of shame and how it forms in response to trauma, social conditioning, and systems of oppression. Through my training, work experience, and education, I have gained experience with a broad range of communities and concerns but I specialize in working with the following presentations:

  • I recognize the inherent stigma attached to the label personality disorder, particularly the shame often associated with diagnoses like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Because of this, I focus less on diagnosis and more on the person in front of me.

    My approach is trauma-informed and relational, utilizing modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), AEDP, Gestalt Therapy, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. I also integrate Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) an evidence-based psychodynamic approach specifically designed for treating Borderline Personality Disorder.

  • Trauma can manifest in many forms. The most common types of complex trauma I support clients through include sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse (including child-on-child abuse), incest, and covert incest (also known as emotional incest). I approach all trauma work through a trauma-informed lens, allowing each client to lead at their own pace toward healing.

    To process these experiences, I use trauma-focused modalities such as EMDR, as well as somatic and relational approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and AEDP, tailoring care to meet each client’s unique needs.

  • Eating disorders, body dysphoria, and health-related anxieties are often hidden struggles, weighed down by shame and silence. I understand that there is no single way an eating disorder presents. They are shaped by culture, body type, neurotype, and lived experience. Because of this, I tailor treatment to the unique needs of each client.

    I have a special interest in supporting men, athletes, military service members, Autistic individuals, and people with ADHD who face challenges related to eating disorders and body image. I also work with often-overlooked presentations like orthorexia and muscle dysmorphia (also known as bigorexia), and the usage of anabolic steroids.

    My approach blends relational and psychodynamic therapy with evidence-based interventions, including MBT-E (Mentalization-Based Therapy for Eating Disorders), CBT-AR (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ARFID), and psychodynamic psychotherapy.

  • I work closely with individuals who are late-diagnosed, self-realized, or questioning whether they are Autistic or have ADHD. This can be a profound and life-changing realization, and it can feel overwhelming to navigate alone. As someone who is AuDHD (Autistic & ADHD), I draw on my lived experience to offer relatable, compassionate support… because I’ve been there too!

    I take a nuanced, intersectional approach to what it means to be Autistic and Neurodivergent. I recognize that each person’s experience is different. My Autism won’t look like your Autism (similarly, my Neurodivergent experience may not look like your Neurodivergent experience) and that’s okay. My goal is to ensure that you feel truly seen, understood, and welcomed as you explore your identity and needs on your own terms.

  • I have experience working across all levels of care (residential treatment, PHP, IOP, and outpatient) serving as a case manager, substance use counselor, and as a therapist. I’ve supported individuals struggling with addiction, as well as their loved ones, in both individual and family therapy settings. Alongside being an associate psychotherapist, I am also a Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor (#13339) through the California Association of Drug Treatment Programs (CADTP).

    I take a harm-reduction approach that recognizes recovery is not one-size-fits-all. While I don’t follow a strict 12-step/abstinence model, I fully support clients who choose AA/NA or other traditional recovery pathways. My work focuses on helping clients redefine their relationship with substances and discover a path to recovery that aligns with their goals and values.