My Beliefs as a Therapist and Human
My goal is to help you recognize your power and autonomy to achieve what you want in life. Difficult emotions and experiences are not just 'symptoms' to be eliminated. Research shows it's counterproductive to try to control or suppress them. Instead, we can change our relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings.
Humans are not naturally inclined to feel constant happiness. Psychological pain is a normal part of life, not a disease. Therapy can help you learn to tolerate and accept your emotions as appropriate responses to life's challenges.
I’m a native Chicagoan and love my hometown! But I found myself craving less winter and more nature, which brought me to Knoxville, Tennessee.
I have an affinity for wanderers, explorers, adventurers, and questioners. I value advocating for systemic change to positively impact diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
Highest-energy cattle dog, Cleo pictured here in Knoxville.
My integrative approach draws from these three methods:
Existential Therapy:
Existential therapy focuses on exploring the human condition. Helping individuals to confront and understand the fundamental aspects of existence, such as freedom, responsibility, meaning, and mortality.
Existential therapy asks clients to examine their values, beliefs, and choices, and encourages individuals to create a life that aligns with their true selves.
Psychodynamic Therapy:
Psychodynamic therapy helps individuals understand and resolve their emotional conflicts and unconscious patterns of behavior.
By exploring past experiences and early relationships you can gain insight into how these dynamics are influencing you currently.
*some meditation and mindfulness will be mixed in too!
Cognitive Behavioral Therapies:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapies are research-backed methods of treatment that operate on the premise that our thoughts, feelings and behaviors influence each other. Our past experiences can shape the way we think, often leading to unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors.
Trainings
Cognitive Behavioral Institute: Exposure and Response Prevention for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Cognitive Behavioral Institute: Prolonged Exposure for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
University of Michigan: Core Sexual Health Education
PESI: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Center for Adoption Support and Education: National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training