Specializations
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy (“ACT”) is an empirically based, transdiagnostic, and flexible behavioral approach to therapy. It is essentially about living life with all that it has to offer- including the inevitable emotional pain that comes with being human. Mindfulness encourages us to take a non-judgmental, present moment awareness stance in all that we do. I like to think about this as a philosophy or lifestyle where individuals commit to practice engaging in value-based behaviors even “when the hard stuff shows up” (e.g., anger, fear, sadness, anxiety, grief, trauma memories, etc…). No matter what therapeutic path we choose together or what you are struggling with, I will often be looking through this lens and asking you to connect to what is important to YOU every step of the way. Learn more about ACT here.
Trauma-focused
My training in evidence-based trauma-focused treatments (e.g., EMDR, IFS, PE, CPT) allows me to practice from this unique lens with all of my clients healing from a traumatic event(s). Everyone processes trauma differently, therefore there is no “right” approach to this therapeutic expereince. We will work together to determine the “appropriate” treatment approach for you and allow for flexibility. Not everyone who experiences a trauma has PTSD. Many individuals struggle in the aftermath of trauma and “get stuck” along their healing process. Depending on what is getting in the way of your living a meaningful life after trauma and what kinds of difficult emotions you are willing to face in therapy, we will work collaboratively to determine your individualized treatment plan. It is also ok to be unsure about what therapy you would like to try or even if you don’t know if you want to engage in specific trauma-focused work at all. I will help guide you and offer recommendations depending on your individual experiences and goals.
Communities
Deaf and hard of hearing
As an alumna of Gallaudet University and a former educator of the D/deaf/hard of hearing (DHOH), I have been a hearing member in the Deaf community since 2005. My dissertation research focused on sexual assault disclosure among Deaf women and I commit much of my clinical work to supporting survivors of trauma both in an out of DHOH community. Working in the DHOH community is an important part of my personal and professional identity. I recognize that access to therapy in the DHOH community can be hard to find and I value providing therapeutic support and clinical expertise in this community. I do not pretend or claim to know, however, what it is like to be in your shoes. You are and will always be your own expert. I look forward to partnering with you to help guide you towards a life that is meaningful. It is important to recognize that although someone’s identity in the DHOH community may hold significant importance, exploring intersecting identities is often paramount to learning more about oneself and values. Whether or not you are dealing with current life stressors, past trauma/distress or grief, or are facing significant road blocks towards your future, I am confident that we can work together towards your goals.
Military
As a former VA employee with a plethora of training experiences in the veteran community, I value working with both veterans and active duty service members. Whether or not you are facing trauma-related struggles, relationship stress, anxiety, depression, anger issues, or non-military related emotional pain, having a therapist who is familiar with the military setting can make all the difference. As a civilian myself, I may not have walked in your shoes, but my experience working with veterans has afforded me an invaluable understanding of this community’s needs.