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About me

I’d like to begin by saying that I love therapy. I love being a therapist providing therapy, and I love being a client receiving therapeutic services. I think that therapy is an amazing opportunity to grow as an individual. I hope to join you in co-creating this opportunity for you.

My overall approach to therapy is to create a safe, accepting, compassionate atmosphere where you can feel supported to understand and express your true, authentic self as well as be challenged to learn and grow. I believe a delicate balance of support and challenge is necessary for you to get the most out of therapy. I focus on building upon your strengths to meet your goals, and I incorporate an interpersonal approach to therapy. This means that I use our relationship to inform our therapy. We can discuss how we are relating to each other, and this will help you to improve your understanding of yourself and your relationships. In our therapeutic work together, I will emphasize the importance of understanding yourself and developing healthy relationships in your life.

I have been a licensed psychologist since 2014 and have many years of experience as a therapist before this. I have worked in university counseling centers, community mental health centers, and inpatient hospital settings. I have worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds from all walks of life, ranging in age from 17 to 95. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and groups. I also have been in therapy myself because I think it is important for therapists to also know ourselves. During periods of my life, I have struggled with depression and anxiety. This includes a time in my life when I was first developing my queer identity. I strongly believe that making it through these experiences made me a stronger person and a better therapist. I also think that a focus on culture and diversity is important, and I continue to learn about myself and my cultural identities, including related to race, sexual orientation, and gender. As a feminist, it is essential for me to understand my positions of privilege and oppression and be aware of the existence of racism, homophobia/heterosexism, sexism, ableism, etc. throughout society (as well as within feminism movements). I continue to work to build my awareness of my privilege and my “blind spots,” which includes my privilege as a white person. This is a continuing process for me, and I look forward to the ongoing pursuit of this inner growth.

I specialize in providing LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy and EMDR therapy. I am an EMDR Certified Therapist. I am poly-friendly and support sexual expression of consenting adults in all forms. I also enjoy working with clients as they develop their identities, be it sexual identity, gender identity, or otherwise. I will work with you to help you fully be your true, authentic self.

I look forward to getting to know you. Just as I hope to help you in your journey of self-discovery and growth, I know from experience that I will also learn from you and grow with you.

Education

·         Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, Lehigh University

·         M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, SUNY

·         M.A. Women’s Studies, San Diego State University

·         B.A. Behavioral Sciences, Drew University

Licensure

·         Licensed Psychologist (PSY4034), Colorado

Professional Memberships

·         EMDRIA

·         Association for Women in Psychology

o   Conferences Liaison 2014-2017

o   Member since 2006

Selected Training

  • EMDR Certification

  • Cultural Responsiveness and Addressing Cultural Trauma and Adversity in EMDR Therapy

  • Transgender Identities and Clinical Practice

  • LGBTQ Clients: Clinical Issues & Treatment Strategies

    (and many other LGBTQ+ trainings, too many to list)