Theoretical Framework

My theoretical approach to counseling is eclectic, integrating a variety of theoretical frameworks to best conceptualize and attend to the needs of each client.  As a therapist, it is my duty to meet client’s where they are at by structuring interventions that are supportive to the needs and experiences of each client. My stance is always strength-based and will build upon what a client is already doing well, in order to cultivate advancement towards therapy goals.

As a clinician, I am conscious of the impacts of oppressive systems, and am committed to working with individuals to bolster personal liberation, by together taking an active role in challenging the harmful impact of oppressive systems in order to cultivate an authentic and meaningful life. I do this through a lens that is person-centered, feminist, rooted in narrative, and anchored in social justice.

Person Centered

The foundation of my theoretical approach is always person-centered, meaning that I recognize the therapeutic relationship as collaborative rather than authoritative. I facilitate sessions that are led by the needs of the client, not dictated by the views of the therapist. As a therapist utilizing this modality, my aim is not to analyze my clients from the outside in, but rather reflect back to the client their own values, experiences, and challenges, with the goal of supporting the client towards realizations of personal wisdom and healing. My goal as a therapist is to bare empathetic and non-judgmental witness for the client, supporting the client in the process of forging towards more congruent life experiences.

Feminist & Social Justice

Conscious of the harmful bias that historically defines the field of counseling and psychotherapy, I am committed to assisting clients to challenge oppressive systems, that lead to harmful self image, societal consequences, fractured relationships, and negative self talk. By together shifting our lens outward, we can wholly analyze the systems responsible for telling us who and what we are, in order to revolt and stand in our intrinsic power, to live most authentically.

Existential

Existential Psychotherapy is a western all-encompassing view of the human condition in which there is both personal and universal relationships to the themes of anxiety, personal freedom, responsibility, isolation, meaninglessness, and inevitable death. This approach aims to tap into the internal wisdom of the individual in order to face uncomfortable truths about the human experience, and our place in the word.

Narrative

Narrative therapy is the practice of re-storying one’s experience in a way that is meaningful, healing, and empowering, to the individual. Narrative theory ignites exploration through self-reflective and investigative interventions. This approach provides an opportunity to analyze and re structure lifelong scrips written by and sometimes for the individual, with the goal of regaining strength and empowerment, by gaining the ability to stand in personal truth.