In our individual therapy sessions, we will start by delving into the aspects of your life that feel good and those that are causing challenges. This looks like processing the influence of trauma, family/relationships and attachment, colonialism and systemic oppression, and cultural narratives. This also looks like reflecting on your interests, the moments that spark joy, and all the little things that make you, you.

I am Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 trained, meaning we will use this model to get to know the different parts of who you are, develop a relationship with your protectors, and begin to process the trauma that lives deep inside of you. We will also use Narrative and Collaborative Theories and Intergenerational models to uncover how different factors shape who you are and how you uniquely navigate the world. My end goal is always to cultivate self compassion, authenticity, and a deeper relationship with your emotions and somatic experience in a nurturing, liberatory environment. 

My clients are often those who sit on the intersections of identity, including those who are BIPOC, bicultural, neurodiverse, trans, queer, polyamorous/ENM, kinky, and/or living with chronic illness and disabilities. My work is often centered on exploring shifts and changes in identity and deepening of identity, particularly around gender identity, ability, relationships structure, sexuality, and racial identity. I also love working with those who identify with people pleasing and/or conflict avoidance, who are looking to learn how to feel and express their emotions! 

In our couples and relationship therapy sessions, we'll begin by diving into the unique stories that have shaped you and your partners—who you are individually and what has led to the current challenges and disconnection. We'll explore the impact of trauma, family background, and past relationships on how you engage with each other and respond in tense moments. We'll also process the role of systemic oppression and cultural narratives that shape how we perceive ourselves and our relationships. All of these layers influence your attachment patterns and the emotions you feel during conflict, the stories you tell yourself about your relationship, and the ways you react when tensions rise.

As therapy unfolds, we will track these patterns in real-time, creating compassionate awareness of both your own and your partners’ emotions and fears. Gradually, we’ll work toward building a new pattern of deeper connection with less reactivity and more harmonious communication in moments of tension. To reach this place we will use Emotion Focused Couples Therapy, Narrative and Collaborative theories, and techniques from Internal Family Systems and Intergenerational models. 

I often work with clients who sit at the intersection of identity, who are looking for a clinician who will hold space for relationships that might look different from those told to us growing up. My clients are frequently BIPOC or in interracial relationships, neurodiverse, bicultural, trans, queer, polyamorous or ENM, kinky, and/or living with chronic illness or disabilities. I focus on how shifts in identity, ability, relationship structure, and sexuality can create both challenges and opportunities for deeper connection. I also love working with couples who have felt stuck in conflict for years and are now taking their first steps to learn, grow, and reconnect. Together, we will create space for new desires, realize your dreams, and create the chance to build more meaningful and fulfilling relationships.

In our family therapy sessions, we’ll start by creating the foundation of safety and connection. Family therapy often feels different from other types of therapy because it can be more challenging to be vulnerable with loved ones who share a long and complex history with us. I admire the courage it takes to show up and work toward being truly understood by your family. It’s a tender process, so we’ll take it slow.

From there, we’ll dive into getting to know each member’s story and understanding what has contributed to the current disconnection or tension. We’ll work on deepening the understanding of how each family member’s actions and experiences have impacted one another, paying close attention to the dynamics of power, especially the influence parents have in shaping their children’s experiences. Together, we’ll start identifying and tracking the patterns of interaction that may have kept your family stuck in disconnection for years. My goal is to help you break those cycles and create space for more meaningful, compassionate connections, deeper understanding, respectful boundaries, and healthier communication. 

In our work together, I draw from several therapeutic approaches, including Emotion-Focused Therapy, Satir Experiential Family Therapy, Narrative and Collaborative Theories, and intergenerational frameworks like Bowenian Family Therapy. I primarily work with adult families (18+), focusing on those who are ready to take the first steps towards reconnecting and rebuilding their relationships. Common themes I often work with include navigating gender identity changes within a family, managing the shift from young adulthood into adulthood, and healing long-standing ruptures from childhood.

I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to begin this journey. Taking these first steps to reconnect and heal as a family shows incredible strength and a willingness to grow together. This work has the potential to transform not just your family relationships but also to foster deeper self-awareness and emotional resilience in each of you. By choosing this journey, you’re paving the way for deeper, more authentic connections—not just with your family, but with yourself and your communities.

If you’re planning to move forward with gender-affirming surgery—such as chest masculinization (mastectomy), breast augmentation, hysterectomy/oophorectomy, orchiectomy, vaginoplasty, phalloplasty, metoidioplasty, vulvoplasty/labiaplasty, facial feminization surgery (FFS), voice surgery, or body contouring (e.g., liposuction or fat transfer)—you will need a letter of support from a mental health professional following the WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) standards of care. During our 50-minute session, we will review your readiness for surgery based on these standards, and I will start drafting the letter while we talk. This service is available on a pay-what-you-can basis!