When working with individuals I use what is called a psychodynamic approach. That means that we really focus on our relationship in the room, with the belief that if we can achieve an open and vulnerable relationship then it will translate outside of the room as well. In addition it means that I view behavior as learned and adaptive at some point, we work together to figure out the roots of the patterns and then evaluate whether or not we need to alter them. In addition I use a cognitive behavioral approach as needed: this means that we will occasionally target specific thought patterns that are unhelpful or no longer working for you. I also utilize mind-body interventions when needed; there is a body of research supporting the idea that our trauma often gets stuck in our body leading to physiological reactions to triggers. We’ll work together to lessen these triggers and decrease your nervous systems sensitivity.

I utilize a Gottman Style approach to couples counseling. It is a style of therapy founded by John and Julie Gottman based on decades of research. It is a very assessment heavy approach, but I’ve found that when couples say ‘we’re having trouble communicating’ it means we’re arguing and not feeling heard by our partners around a plethora of issues all of which are layered and complex. During my assesment phase which begins with three sessions and an indepth online questionairre I get a good sense of where the strengths in the relationship lie and which areas we can target with specific interventions tailored to your relationship.

I strive to provide an inclusive, sex positive atmosphere to explore your relationship with your sexuality and/or gender either in an individual setting or with your partner(s). Many of us have hangups around sexuality and gender due to the nature of the society we were raised in. Together we work to undo the damage that years of sex negative education have done, finding healing and health within yourself and embracing yourself as a sexual being. I work with couples and other relationship configurations around issues of consent, contracted M/s or other kink dynamics, communication between ALL parties. I also can help with issues of mismatched libido and sexual misconnection.

Addiction is something that transcends all economic statuses, races and genders. I work with you to find a definition and path to sobriety that best fits YOU. I believe recovery is highly individual and we work together to define if that means 100% sobriety forever, moderated sobriety in the future, or sober except for xyz. I don’t love labels such as ‘alcoholic’ or ‘addict’ and I also don’t believe that you have to have a ‘problem’ in order to explore and perhaps modify your relationship with different substances. Together we’ll work to uncover the deeper motivations behind use and use mind-body interventions to help rewire the nervous system and reduce or manage cravings.