I am committed to helping people discover and enhance their emotional capacity in order to create more satisfying lives. I work with people to address immediate concerns, problems and acute crises so that they can return to their lives with a sense of relief as well as an increased ability to cope and address their issues.
In work that is more focused on recurring problems, or an interest in self-development, we work together to explore patterns of relating, life history, past trauma, relationships, dreams, creative pursuits and the therapeutic relationship. Through the transformative experience of being deeply understood by another in an authentic, safe and honest relationship, people can develop increased compassion for self and other, experience a more stable sense of self-esteem, discover new ways of relating, experience increased tolerance for difficult emotions, and transform destructive patterns into more satisfying expressions of self.
I draw upon a broad theoretical background that includes psychoanalytic theory, attachment and relational theory, EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy, polyvagal theory and somatic experiencing.
I have particular interest, experience and training in the treatment of trauma, with a focus on the application of yoga, meditation and the arts to treat traumatic symptoms. I am EMDR-trained and utilize EMDR regularly in my practice for PTSD and complex trauma. I am a certified yoga instructor and have completed a 20-hr foundational training in Trauma-Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY).
I am a Certified First Responder Counselor with training in the treatment of the unique challenges and concerns of first responders (Firefighters, EMT, Doctors/Nurses, Police, Legal and Emergency Responders).