I recently heard a fellow therapist say individuals do not bring their problems to therapy, but instead their solutions. As a Trauma Therapist this perspective rings true for me. My work in this field has been centered around supporting those who are navigating complex trauma, often beginning in infancy. These individuals develop adaptive strategies in order to survive and cope. However, these once adaptive strategies tend to reach a point in which they no longer serve, or even hinder, individuals moving out of a survival state. I support therapy participants in extending self-compassion and appreciation to these parts of themselves and the purposes they have served, while working to develop new skills that allow for growth and a self-narrative that is not defined by trauma and its impacts.

To offer therapeutic support I lean into various models of therapy. As stated above, my graduate work was centered around a person-centered approach, along with practice of Narrative Therapy. Much of my post-graduate work has been spent emersed in Trauma Systems Therapy. I received training and years of clinical supervision from Dr. Susan Hansen, Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University. Additionally, I incorporate elements of Internal Family Systems Therapy and somatic work into my practice.

The language of “systems” is prevalent in my training. I believe in a systems approach to therapeutic work meaning I encourage therapy participants to consider how various systems they are a part of have impacted their sense of self and relationship to community. I value an anti-oppressive approach to therapy. This is a social justice-oriented approach that views holding space for how systemic oppression impacts individuals and their communities as a vital aspect of the therapeutic process.

If the above information aligns with who you are and how you would like to approach therapy I would welcome the opportunity to connect through a free 15 minute consult.