What it’s like to be in therapy with me
Many people get to a point in their lives when they feel stuck. Friends and family who used to be able to help are no longer able to, or don’t know how. During these times, it can be beneficial to have a relationship that is different, one in which you can share honestly without feeling judged or misunderstood and, in turn, be asked questions that can enhance insight and spur positive change.
Welcome to therapy!
As a therapist, I am welcoming, compassionate and curious. I work to create a trusting relationship with each of my clients so that they can feel free to inhabit all parts of themselves. I know that therapy can be hard, so my goal is to help you to feel safe and accepted while engaged in a journey that will naturally involve some discomfort. While parts of therapy will feel particularly intense, sometimes we will laugh, and other times we will marvel at your progress.
How I approach therapy
My approach to therapy is relational and person-centered. This means that I believe that forming a strong relationship is foundational to our work together. It also means that I recognize that you have a unique story; the way I work with you will be based on your personality, specific challenges, needs and strengths.
During therapy sessions, I will not be sitting back in my chair offering minimal feedback; rather we will be in an ongoing dialogue. Although you will do most of the talking, I will ask questions that help you get to the roots of current challenges. I will help you to reveal patterns and connections that can help you develop greater insight. When I sense that we might be avoiding an area that is important to your goals, I will gently point that out and we will work to understand your avoidance.
Depending on what you want to focus on, I will draw upon my knowledge of clinical modalities in which I have been trained, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Of course, the ultimate goal of our work is for you to develop your own internal “therapist voice” that will guide you even after therapy has ended. Thus, therapy will require your consistent engagement and your willingness to do some hard work. My job is to support you as you do this work, helping you to feel contained, safe and seen.
Educational and Background and Other Things That Could Be Considered Noteworthy
- Bachelor of Arts, Major in English Literature, Minor in Psychology- George Washington University
- Master of Social Work with specialization in Integrated Behavioral Health with Youth- New York University
Clinical Training and Experience
My journey to becoming a therapist began when I volunteered for a sexual assault crisis hotline toward the end of my time in college. Humbled by the profound pain and strength of the individuals I served, I learned how to support people during times of crisis and developed a keen understanding of the ways that traumatic experiences can undermine people’s ability to feel safe, powerful and loved.
During my graduate program at New York University, I spent several months working with the Student Affairs office at one of NYU’s colleges, helping to provide emotional support to young adults struggling with the transition to college and the accompanying emotional wellness challenges. I also interned at a day treatment program for younger adolescents with emotional and behavioral challenges.
After graduate school, I worked for three years as a clinical case manager, serving people with behavioral health challenges who were heavily impacted by financial disenfranchisement and systemic racism.
I began providing therapy in 2020 at a community health agency where my clients were adults experiencing trauma conditions, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, grief, parenting stress, and difficulties in relationships. I feel privileged that I got to know my clients so well, and was trusted to bear witness to their pain, progress and successes.
More recently, I have provided therapy through an online counseling platform, helping young adults to navigate life transitions, increase self-esteem, examine their relationships with their families of origin, question and explore their identities, and learn new techniques and tools to help them manage depression, anxiety and stress. This work has been rewarding and inspiring – I continue to be passionate about helping young people as they grapple with such an exciting and bewildering time!
I consider myself lucky to have worked with diverse populations throughout my clinical work, including people from a wide variety of cultural and racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, abilities and world-views. To work with a diversity of clients requires that I continuously examine my privilege and implicit biases, and learn about realities that I have not experienced firsthand.
To inform my clinical work, I have completed trainings in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy. I have also undergone training in assessing and responding to suicide risk. Most recently my training has been focused on providing affirmative therapy to people in the LGBTQ+ communities, people who don’t identify with traditional gender categories, and people in alternative relationships.
A bit more about me
My decision to become a therapist emerged from my experiences as a therapy client. As I transitioned out of adolescence, I went through a period of deep depression. It is not an overstatement to say that being in therapy transformed me; I emerged hopeful, confident and grounded, and equipped with new tools to maintain my progress. Not only was I profoundly grateful for the opportunity to be in therapy; I also wanted to support and facilitate change for other people in the way my therapist had done for me.
I balance the intensity of my work with a fun and rich personal life. Currently, I am learning how to play the guitar, training my cat to do circus tricks (starting with the modest task of spinning in a circle) and trying to get outdoors as much as possible! Spending time with the people I love is what gives my life shape and color. I’m grateful to my partner, my family and my friends for supporting me and the work I do.