My Approach is About Connection and Compassion
It’s about empathy and a sense of joining together. It’s about vulnerability and playfulness. It’s about exploration. I utilize my training in psychology, neuroscience, attachment, mindfulness, parenting and authenticity to support my clients, but more than anything, it’s my experiences as a fellow human being that allow me to be most supportive.
I am open for questions, always
It is essential that this relationship feel safe for you, so understanding what I am doing is important. As well, I invite you to utilize this relationship as a way to explore new ways of relating to your world. Asking for what you need, establishing more overt boundaries, saying no and/or trusting in another person and saying yes may all be aspects of your journey that are worthy of investigation. Please know that I am open and inspired by this exploration.
I practice psychotherapy because it is the most amazing thing I can think of to do with my life. I love the experience of being there for others as they become more familiar with who they are and more comfortable managing all the facets of what it means to be human.
As a therapist I aspire to be present for people in a kind, direct and intentional way, such that both our lives can move in the direction of growth and a more genuine way of being.
For as long as I can remember I have been inspired by being with people and compelled to better understand human behavior and relational dynamics. I find that being alive, and therefore in relationship, is the hardest, most rewarding, scariest, most vulnerable and inspiring thing to do, and I love being there to support others along this journey.
This is a perfect fit.
I am inspired to help others with…
Adults
Children
Anxiety
Coping skills
Emotional Overwhelm
Grief
Life Coaching
Parenting
Relationship Challenges
Self-Esteem
Spirituality
Aggression
Anxiety
Attention
Behavioral Outbursts
Emotional Regulation
Empathy
Fears
Grief
Hyper-vigilance
Restlessness
Self-esteem
Self-harm
Shyness
Withdrawal
Working With Me
I am the sole provider in this private practice as well as a provider for United Behavioral Health and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. I am also a provider with Curalinc, a company working to support Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
My private pay rates are $150 per 60 minute session.
It’s important that you understand that if you are not with United or Anthem and choose to engage my services, these will be considered out-of-network. This means I do not have an agreement with your plan to provide services, and getting care from me will likely cost you more than if you found someone within your network. As well, your health plan might not count any of the amount you pay toward your deductible and out-of-pocket limit. Contact your health plan for more information.
If you are not using insurance, you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) under the Federal No Surprises Act (H.R. 133, effective January 1, 2022). A Good Faith Estimate explains the costs for services that are reasonably expected for your care. You can request a GFE of any health care provider with whom you are not planning on using insurance of any kind (including out-of-network coverage).
A GFE is an estimate and is for your information only. It is not a contract and does not require you to make any type of commitment. For more information go to: https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
For information regarding protection of your Personal Health Information (PHI) please click here.
Some Details
As a therapist, my approach draws on psychological training in coping skills, self-care, development, attachment, attunement, authenticity and emotional regulation, and the healing potential of relationship. I have a strong passion for families, over 20 years of personal experience as a partner and step-parent, and a lifetime of experiences with the messiness, joy and complexities that just come with being a member of a family. I have become passionate about learning to manage strong emotions, partly because I see the challenge of this in the clients I work with, particularly the children, and also because of the pervasiveness and impact of them within in my own emotional world.
I earned my master’s degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University, with an emphasis in Gestalt therapy and mindfulness. During my graduate degree I became fascinated with the art and magic of play therapy and went on to study Synergetic Play Therapy, becoming certified as a Synergetic Play Therapist in 2017. The training I gained in SPT informs much of my work with clients. This is due to the research and respect if offers regarding our nervous systems, safety, attunement and attachment, which impacts and supports all relationships and supports healing no matter what the age. I support parents with the guidance of Theraplay and Hand in Hand Parenting, both evidenced-based parenting approaches that hold these research-based strengths and provide a rich basis for parenting with connection and play at the center. I am also a long time meditator and Mindfulness Instructor and have further training in anxiety and depression from a nervous system, brain-based healing modality. I am continuing my studies currently with Bonnie Badenoch, exploring in even greater detail the wisdom in our bodies, brains and relationships.
Whether it is with the families I am working with in play therapy or the individual adults in my office, I incorporate gentleness and kind attentive listening as well as education on: managing strong emotions (personally or in one’s self and their child(ren), strengthening relationships through authenticity, managing stress with the help of the nervous system, and the importance of self-care, mindfulness, congruency, playfulness and attunement.
As a Buddhist practitioner since 2005 I rely on the teachings of friendliness, non-aggression, impermanence, non-attachment, and the understanding that we are all wise and healthy at our core, along with mindfulness practices and meditation to support me in my own life as well as my work with clients. It is important to note that mindfulness and meditation are used for the purpose of self-reflection, self-awareness, orientation, and regulation. Religious/spiritual exploration is initiated by a client if they so choose. My office is a safe space for a person with any religious background.