Over the last 20 years, as researchers have studied what helps people accomplish their goals in therapy, they have found that the quality of the relationship with the therapist is twice as important as the kind of skills, advice, and solutions that the therapist provides. What the client brings to the table in terms of willingness to grow and change, determination, supportive outside relationships, and skills is even more important than what the therapist brings (See graph below).
Source: Lambert, M.J., & Barley, D.E. (2002). Research summary on the therapeutic relationship and psychotherapy outcome. In J. Norcross (Ed.), Psychotherapy relationships that work: Therapist contributions and responsiveness to patients. Oxford University Press.
My strength is in building an open, genuine relationship with you in order to develop new skills and perspectives to manage whatever challenges are present. I don’t “fix” you or your identified problems because I believe you already have many strengths and the inherent ability to unfold over time. Instead, I collaborate with you to be curious, explore, and find more positive interactions and experiences...to empower you to be you.
Throughout the therapy process, I regularly elicit client feedback to ensure that we are working on what feels most important and in a way that is meaningful and productive. If your life is not improving or you feel discouraged about the therapy process, we talk together to make adaptations and brainstorm other options. Past clients have expressed appreciation for my collaborative style and have shared how therapy can go deep quickly with me.
I provide a warm and compassionate atmosphere that will allow you to be honest and "get messy." I am LGBTQIA affirmative and sex positive, and am committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. This is an anti-racist space and members of all marginalized communities are welcome, supported and uplifted. I strive to de-pathologize human suffering while celebrating and empowering the diversity in our selves and our communities, as well as encourage consistent commitment towards working on ourselves.
I am eclectic in my orientation and offer a holistic, integrative approach to client-centered therapy. I use a trauma lens and draw upon attachment theory, mindfulness/meditation, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, somatic based techniques, Polyvagal theory, and EMDR. I also work collaboratively with other medical and mental health providers to provide an optimum level of care.