How does your training shape the way you approach therapy? 

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As a social worker by training, I approach all my work from the person-in-environment (or ecological) perspective. What this means to me is that I work with the individual in front of me and what is going on in their life, and I also look at what's going on with their family, their community, and the larger society and world as a whole. All of those layers impact each individual in different ways, and that must be taken into account in our work together. I greatly value the social work profession and adhere to our code of ethics, including integrating the values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence into my everyday work. 

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How do you work with both the present day concern and its deeper origins?

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I love to do what I refer to as a therapeutic hokey pokey - corny, yes but my clients and I often step into and out of the present and past throughout our sessions, addressing their immediate concerns and wellbeing while also looking to the past to uncover patterns and often understand how our patterns had once been effective but are no longer serving us in the present day. This dance is very important to me, especially as I support survivors of violence, abuse, and exploitation and we ensure the pace and intensity of our work together feels both supportive and challenging, all while establishing and maintaining safety. 

 
How do you hope clients feel after working with you over time?

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My greatest hope for each client is for us to arrive at the day when we can say goodbye to each other and they can look back on our work together and feel proud, strong, and capable of navigating what life has in store for them. That being said, I also hope that clients feel that I am a trusted and reliable tool in their toolbox of skills and strategies and that they can always come back for support.