RELATIONAL, COLLABORATIVE, SYSTEMIC, & INTERSECTIONAL
theoretical framework
I integrate various theoretical approaches in my work, drawing primarily upon attachment, relational psychodynamic, narrative, and feminist lenses. With couples, I draw mainly from emotionally-focused therapy and attachment theories. These theoretical references describe an approach to therapy that is rooted in a relational, collaborative framework.
Working with any issue requires that we consider the ways in which it shows up in relationships. This means throughout the course of our work, I will invite us to consider your emotional patterns, family history and earliest relationships, attachment style and ways of relating, and internalized narratives about yourself. I tend to focus on the here-and-now in our work, which means I will pay attention not only to what happens in your life between our sessions, but what happens in the room—between you and me—during our time together. I believe our identities and inner landscapes are shaped by relationships, and that healing happens in and through relationships.
FOUNDATIONAL lenses & values THAT GUIDE MY APPROACH
relational
Relationships form the context for our lives: we all yearn to be seen, known, and accepted. At its very best, our work together in the therapy room will be about human connection and intimacy, which holds potential for deep healing. Our relationship is an invitation for you to become more authentically yourself, at home in your own skin, and to move toward greater experiences of freedom, peace, and connection.
systemic & intersectional
My training is rooted in systems theory, which means I am attuned to consider how your individual narrative is shaped by broader systems—including family, race, gender, and culture— and how the intersectionality of these various identities impact both your internal and external landscapes. Whether I am working with an individual or a couple, a systemic perspective means I privilege context, relational dynamics, emotional connections, and the influence of generational patterns in considering who you are and what brings you to therapy.
justice-oriented
The work we do to bring greater awareness to our unconscious behaviors and beliefs will also ask us to identify and dismantle oppressive systems and narratives, both within ourselves and in our relationships. In our work together, we will explore some of these broader systems of oppression, including racism, sexism, and homophobia, and how they have fractured and splintered our collective and individual sense of wholeness and empowerment.
collaborative & Spiritually-integrated
Ultimately, therapy is a place for you to know yourself more deeply. My role as the therapist is to be a curious, reflective, and supportive companion and collaborator along the way. My graduate work was also informed by an interfaith, spiritually-integrated approach to therapy, meaning I am uniquely trained to discuss issues related to spirituality —or in simpler terms, how we make meaning in our lives— in a clinical setting.
“Through Love all pain will turn to medicine.”