My Approach
I have an unquenchable curiosity and deep respect for the adaptive and creative resilience of the human psyche; how we love, learn, relate, and grow based not only on our experiences, and beliefs, but also our ability to imagine.
I am primarily informed by, and have additional training in, Jungian Depth Psychology, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (a somatic body centered talk therapy), and IFS (Internal Family Systems). Each of these modalities recognizes the potential for growth and healing that comes from cultivating a relationship between our conscious and unconscious parts of self. This is a process of discovery.
Prior to receiving my graduate training in counseling psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute I worked for decades as a visual artist and arts educator with at risk youth, adolescents, and adults.
My experience has taught me that the creative process often begins with an idea or expectation of what one wants to see, but often struggles to render. By engaging the image with curiosity in a step-by-step way an interactive dialogue or informative vision can emerge. What is needed? What is I am feeling towards it? How open am I to trying something new and what are my mistakes showing me? Can I trust my intuition when it feels right?
Undertaking therapy is a similar process of creative recovery that invites self discovery, making new meaning out of old challenges, and developing enhanced self confidence through care and attention to what in you is seeking to transform.
I received two years of additional training at the C.G. Jung Insititute of Los Angeles where I learned to work clinically with client’s dreams, elements of the shadow and archetypes, alternative modalities like Sandplay, and Active Imagination to enhance self exploration and expand the therapeutic process. I also received Level 2 certification in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy which is a somatic approach to Trauma Recovery. My training in Substance Abuse and Recovery informs my work with family members or partners that have been impacted by someone struggling with addiction as well as those suffering from addiction.
My ongoing therapeutic work and deep love for learning inspires me to be a better human and practitioner. I am a social justice, equity, diversity and LGBTQ ally. I love traveling new places, making things with my hands, singing, hiking, meditating, discovering new recipes, spending time with family and friends and I look forward to working with you.