Core Values & Beliefs

While we might not be fond of the things we do, I know that every behavior has a purpose whether we know it or not. Our job is to inquire gently and curiously:

Where did this come from? How might it be trying to protect me? Does it still serve me?

Healing is hard. Change is hard. My job is to help us identify what is in our control and hold us to that accountability. As well as identifying what’s out of our control, and letting that weight go.

As a therapist, I choose to bring my full self. I do not wear a mask of what a “therapist” should be like. I will laugh with you, cry with you, rage with you. Each of you brings vulnerability into sessions with me. I honor that by bringing my own vulnerability and authenticity with you.

We may have learned that to motivate change, we need to judge ourselves, be harsh with ourselves. While change can happen when motivated from a place of negative reinforcement, lasting change can only come from self-love.

Psychotherapy often focuses on individuals without recognizing that we are molded by the systems around us. We need to recognize the impact of unhealthy systems (dysfunctional family systems, toxic work environments, white supremacy culture) on our own behaviors.

How do your marginalized identities affect your sense of belonging and safety? How do non-dominant cultural contexts cause stress and dissonance?