Early in my training, I was influenced by psychodynamic psychotherapy.  This theory suggests that many of our early experiences shape some of the lasting aspects of our personality. More specifically, attachment theory helps us understand how our earliest experiences with key caregivers either made us feel secure and cared for or less secure and potentially more likely to feel anxious, confused or alone. Psychodynamic theory informs my thinking about what animates a person’s beliefs and behaviors.

When thinking about technique, I incorporate a variety of modalities that can support healing. I use internal family systems, schema and cognitive behavioral therapy, inner directed healing/humanistic approach in psychedelic work, and relationally oriented psychodynamic therapy.

I am also influenced by a background in health psychology and the importance of paying attention to sleep, nutrition, exercise and markers of inflammation. Moreover, experiences of trauma and insidious impacts of long-term environmental stressors are closely evaluated to attenuate the impacts of toxic stress on the body and psyche.  

Lastly, I was an English major before coming to psychology and have an appreciation of the written word and the importance of one’s own narrative in shaping our lived experience of the world and others. This means I pay close attention to the narrative we are telling about ourselves and the world we inhabit. Exploring how this influences the decisions we make, people we love, and roads we travel is a vital part of my work with others.