My clients would say I operate with a glass half full attitude. In fact, they often will joke that I’m annoyingly optimistic. And they are usually right. One of my biggest strengths is my ability to empathize with another person and validate their experience (no matter how difficult). And while we might sit in the sadness or muck of an experience, and sometimes for an extended period of time, I will always offer a glass half full perspective when a client is ready to hear it. And usually that’s exactly what we might need - to know it’s safe to sit in big emotions and overwhelm and also be able to see a different perspective. It’s finding the balance between honoring and validating an experience and also pushing for change.

A second unique perspective that I bring to sessions is my background in family systems. I have extensive training and experience operating from what’s called a systemic approach - having an individual client in front of me and being able to understand how they fit into all of their systems: family, school, friends, work, etc.. Taking it a step further, we look at how those systems are either helping us grow or keeping us stuck; we look at communication patterns and family roles and peer expectations, for example. Nobody operates in a vacuum, and it’s invaluable to be able to see a client systemically in order to work towards healing and change.

Research tells us that while education and training are important, it’s actually the relationship a client has with their therapist that determines whether therapy is effective. To that point, you will usually find me using art, games, or other creative ways to connect with my clients. I give my clients the freedom to be who they are unapologetically, I am always their biggest cheerleader, and through these authentic and trusting connections, I also create space to be able to safely push and work towards change. Let’s face it - teens aren’t always thrilled about going to therapy. I will usually tell parents of unsure teens that if they can get their teen in the door, I can get them to stay.