SERVICES
I provide therapy in Oregon and Washington that is grounded in social justice, queer and feminist theories, and cultural humility. My approach to therapy uses a blend of narrative, attachment-based, and body-focused techniques.
MY APPROACH
In working with intimate relationships, I additionally draw from Emotion Focused and Gottman Method therapies. To put it simply, this means I place you at the center of your own story, I incorporate mind-body connection, emotional experiences, and relationships of all kinds into the therapy space. I truly believe that you deserve to live your best life, and I am here to offer whatever help I may toward that end.
If you have any specific questions for me (about myself, or my therapeutic approach), please do not hesitate to reach out. I also offer free 20 minute consultations, if that feels helpful to you and your decision making.
Individual Therapy
What can you expect from individual therapy with me?
In short, you can expect a warm non-judgemental space, full of both laughter and seriousness. You can expect a place to rejuvenate and heal your mind and spirit, a place in which you feel heard, cared for, and seen for all that you are.
Many people wonder about the differences between a therapist and a friend; when you come to see me, you may see some overlap. One of the biggest differences, however, is that I have specific training in mental health. This training then holds our relationship to a set of boundaries and ethical quidelines that differ from your relationship with your best friend. That being said, therapy and friendship can be similar in that there will be open conversations, active listening, gentle pushing, laughter, tears, and a melding of personalities and moods. Whether this is your first foray into therapy or you have years of experience, I aspire to be as transparent as possible, including you in treatment planning every step of the way. We can collaboratively create a space in which we talk about anything, leaving stigma at the door. Led by my curiosity and respect for your experiences, I seek to walk with you on your journey and help connect the dots in the patterns of your life. You are the expert; I offer new perspectives.
Relationship Therapy
The heart of relationship therapy is much the same as that of individual therapy, though with the added perspectives (and complexity) of multiple humans. Relationships are at the core of our human experience–as well as at the core of my training–so it only makes sense that we address the, therapeutically. I welcome relationships of all kinds: romantic or platonic, long-term or brand new, monogamous or not. Sometimes our partners trigger our wounds and sometimes we get in our own way. In relationship therapy, we can address all of that and more, highlighting your strengths and finding tools for an even stringer future or a successful parting of ways.
Relationships do not exist in a vacuum; therefore, in relationship therapy we may also address the societal influence on your experiences. This could include gender dynamics, cultural messaging, the impacts of race on your relationship(s), political ideology, and any other prevalent topics. Whatever matters to you, and to your partner(s), matters to me.
Social Justice & Antiracism
As a child of immigrant parents, I have lived my life in multiple cultures, giving me a unique perspective to the ways in which race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class may impact someone’s experiences. Due to my own upbringing and education, I work to include these same aspects of life into the therapy room. I don’t presume to know exactly what my clients have been through, but I do know what it is like to navigate the world in a body that has judgments thrust upon it. I want to use that knowledge to validate my clients’ racial identities and offer support or, possibly, new understandings of the ways these experiences influence the rest of their lives. I enjoy working with Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOCs), and the unique positionalities created therein. I also work with White folx who are interested in unpacking their racial experience and doing anti-racism work. Though social justice and anti-racism work is not the only framework through which I practice, it is deeply rooted in my therapeutic approach.
Sex Therapy
First and foremost, sex therapy is talk therapy. In this space, I seek to honor your voice and perspective of gender and sexuality. As a queer, genderfluid, clinician of color, I’ve explored my own identities and challenged norms. Within our therapeutic relationship, I seek to provide space for your own uniqueness and ability to do the same. I strive to always be learning more about human sexuality and am dedicated to bringing research-based information to aid in the therapy process. Through these aids, I want to empower people to be able to talk freely and openly about sex, gender, and sexuality.
Sex therapy can be individual work, or relationship-based work. Either way, we can explore all of the ways in which internal and external factors impact your perspectives of sexuality. These factors could include your family, race and ethnicity, mental health, gender, relationships, and much more. Because human sexuality is not just one thing, I do not take just one approach for all cases. Whether you are just beginning your exploration of these topics on your own, or you are very clear with your views and trying to broach conversations with your partner(s), sex therapy could be a helpful addition to your life.