CBT is the launch pad for my practice, and I use it in conjunction with extra training in couples counseling, grief, ALL things gender and LGBTQIA+ related, sex and intimacy issues, anxiety, and depression. To that point, I additionally utilize what is appropriate from other modalities, such as Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. But, CBT is really my jam.
Because I’ve been a traveling actor/singer (see About Me), part of my practice involves a sensitivity to the plight of performers’ lives. This includes navigating the instability of a life in the arts as an actor, and the hardships, challenges, and overall toll touring can have on musicians.
If you are a person of color, I can not know your lived experience, and I’ll never insult you by implying I can; that would be repugnant as a woman of obvious privilege. I encourage you to find a therapist of color. But, if you can’t, I have taken – and continue to take – updated training in cultural competency. In addition, I am an activist who understands how systemic racism has been deployed and functions.
Another part of my practice, which has a different skill set and includes bunch of cool tools, is Life Coaching. Maybe you’ve asked yourself, “what exactly do those people do, anyway?” (I did.) Not everyone needs, wants, or is ready for psychotherapy. Sometimes, individuals just get…stuck. In regards to coaching, there is no unpacking of past trauma, just a respect and understanding of its presence and how it informs the “stuckness”. A life coach can help devise a plan for reasonable – sometimes ambitious – action steps to promote movement, and helps to incentivize that movement. This process is solidly solution focused.
If you’ve read this far, I suppose I should mention all the warm fuzzy stuff: that I am compassionate, empathetic, non-judgmental, and I endeavor to create a safe, trusting, and inviting environment for this work. Well, of course, it’s my passion and my job! I also provide the space to laugh as often as possible and appropriate, or just hold the space for the open expression and release of pain.
All of this means nothing if the vibe is not right. Therefore, I offer a free 30 minute, “Hey, lets see if we vibe” chat. If we do, great! If we don’t, that’s okay – I have no ego about this, so no harm, no foul. Finding the absolute “right” therapist is imperative to the process, and no one should settle for a “maybe.”
I don’t require a multi-session commitment, and offer a great deal of flexibility and understanding regarding schedule changes or cancellations due to “life crap” and certainly, emergencies. Your therapy commitment should never be another thing that stresses you out.
To book your free introductory session, to see if it’s a good fit for us to work together, please call the office: (845) 758-0563.
