How Do I Approach Counseling

I knew I wanted to be a counselor after acquiring my disabilities, and I realized how little support there was for this community. I also grew up queer in a place that was not accepting, and new that I wanted to do what I could to serve my LGBTQ+ peers as well. In looking for an accepting therapists, I encountered those who had no idea how to work with queer and disabled clients, and who continued cycles of shame that so many of use get pulled into. I was very fortunate to find a therapist who I was able to connect with, and who honored all parts of me while helping me to build the kind of life I wanted for myself.

As a counselor myself, I emphasize putting you, the client, first always. I want to share my experience and knowledge in a way where you feel confident in your ability to develop the skills you need to improve your life. I want you to feel like you can push away any shame that you have carried in your life, and develop your identity and self-understanding in a way that feels authentic and healthy. Eveyone’s life has patterns, and in those patterns are answers. I have found that confidence can grow as we begin to understand ourselves more, even in the moments that can be painful. I want therapy to be a space where you can feel those painful emotions as well as the uplifting ones.

My holistic, integrative approach borrows from several evidence-based therapy modalities around attachment therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness training, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I also what to know not only the times that have caused you pain, but the times that have made you laugh or brought you joy. In building a pathway towards success, it is important not only to focus on the pain we want to decrease, but also where you find joy and how we can build more space for that in your life.