I am passionate about working with teens and young adults as they navigate this challenging time of life. They are separating from parents and family, relying more on peers, and discovering who they are and what matters to them. I care deeply about this population who is suffering at high rates with anxiety, depression and suicidality. I work with clients on areas including anxiety, depression, grief/loss, trauma, family issues, relationships, and self-esteem. My work is non-judgmental, compassionate, experiential, playful, and optimistic.

My goal is to work with clients so they suffer less and thrive more. I strive to do this by accompanying them on their therapeutic journey of noticing and naming emotions and thoughts, feeling these somatically, and accepting their thoughts, feelings, sensations, and memories. This is instead of avoiding or fighting with these experiences, which often increases suffering. Once clients see they don’t need to fear or avoid their thoughts and feelings, they are better able to respond to them. This collaborative work includes clients developing and using skills like mindfulness, compassion for self and others, and resourcing with trusted others, movement, nature, spirituality, or whatever supports them.

Grounded in Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), my approach focuses on mindfulness, acceptance, and commitment to values-based behaviors that truly matter to the client. I also utilize Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and other approaches and techniques when these are best for my clients. I concur with DBT’s premise that all clients are doing their very best, while at the same time, they are capable of positive change. A trained mindfulness instructor by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield for two years, I offer these transformative teachings and skills to my clients.

I approach my clients with curiosity, warmth, flexibility and cultural humility. I’ve worked as an associate therapist in high school settings, as well been employed in other therapeutic roles in community mental health and juvenile probation for many years. I care deeply about creating a safe and supportive space where my clients feel seen, respected and worthy, so they may move toward healing and growth.