Areas of Specialization

Effective & Individualized Therapy For:

Codependency

Codependency is a learned fear-based attachment response where you become highly aware and attuned to the needs of others’ in a caretaking and appeasing manner in order to keep yourself safe. The term Codependency was originally coined by Melody Beattie in her book, Codependent No More, where she described Codependency as occurring in the context of addiction. While it can still be thought of in the context of addiction, Codependency often stems from other childhood experiences too, such as growing up in a dysfunctional family or experiencing trauma or neglect.

Signs you may be experiencing codependency:

• A loss of sense of self
• A lack of clarity around your needs, your desires, and who you are as a whole.
• You may also experience discomfort not fixing other’s emotions.
• You may be giving more than you want to
• People pleasing, and feeling resentful in your relationships.

Narcissistic Abuse

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, fragile ego, inability to receive criticism (resulting in narcissistic rage), and an inflated sense of entitlement. A narcissistic personality develops through both personality and early childhood experiences, often resulting from traumatic or invalidating environments where the narcissist’s ego was severely damage. In order to cope with this ego damage, the narcissist will project these inadequacies onto their loved ones – children, friends, family, and most often their partner. This is called narcissistic abuse; the psychological or emotional abuse at the hands of a narcissist projected onto their victim.

Common Signs of Narcissistic Abuse:

If you are or have ever been in a relationship with a narcissist, it is likely that you are feeling deflated right now. You may be feeling scared and alone, and perhaps like you don’t know which way to turn to either escape this relationship or escape the lasting effects. I am here. I provide trauma-informed therapy for people who are struggling with abusive, toxic, or narcissistic relationships. Together we will work through the lasting effects of Narcissistic Abuse and reignite your sense of self, sense of safety, and zest for life.

Further Reading:

Toxic & Traumatic Relationships

Therapy stands as a transformative ally in the tumultuous landscape of toxic & traumatic relationships, offering a sanctuary for healing and growth. One of the benefits of seeking therapy for your relationship dynamics is that it provides you with a non-judgmental space to unpack the complexities of these dynamics. Through guided introspection and tailored therapeutic approaches, you will gain a deeper understanding of the root causes and patterns perpetuating toxic & traumatic dynamics, enabling you to break free from destructive cycles. I will empower you with essential tools for setting boundaries, fostering effective communication, and navigating the intricate terrain of self-discovery. Furthermore, therapy serves as a catalyst for rebuilding fractured self-esteem, nurturing resilience, and fostering a renewed sense of agency. As you embark on this healing journey, you will find yourself equipped with the emotional intelligence and skills needed to transform toxic relationships into opportunities for profound personal and relational growth.

Further Reading:

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs)

Growing up in households affected by alcoholism can lead to a range of challenges, including trust issues, low self-esteem, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. Therapy for adult children of alcoholics (ACoAs) plays a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the complex emotional landscape shaped by their upbringing.

In therapy, we can explore and understand the impact of your past experiences, gaining insights into coping mechanisms developed during childhood. I will use a variety of approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy to help you process the wounds of your past. Through this process, you can learn to break patterns of dysfunctional behavior, set boundaries, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Therapy provides a safe and supportive space for ACoAs to heal, fostering personal growth and empowering you to build fulfilling, balanced lives despite the challenges posed by your early environments.

Further Reading:

Nervous System Regulation

The nervous system plays a crucial role in keeping our body in balance by controlling various bodily functions. It also has a significant impact on our mental and emotional well-being. When our nervous system becomes unstable and loses balance, our emotions are affected as well. There are many factors that can cause this, such as a difficult childhood or traumatic experiences. Dealing with this can be overwhelming on your own. Luckily, through Psychosomatic therapy, I can help you learn ways to regulate your nervous system. This therapy includes techniques like breathing exercises, mindfulness, and specific techniques to regulate your Vagus Nerve. The goal is to create harmony within your nervous system.

I am trained in Polyvagal Theory and utilize Polyvagal Theory to discuss how our nervous system responds to various social and environmental cues, influencing our emotional experiences and behaviors. It has significant implications for understanding stress, trauma, and the regulation of emotions in both therapeutic and everyday contexts.

I am also a Certified Breathwork Coach, and utilize holistic healing approaches to support your therapeutic work. See more below on the benefits of Breathwork Coaching.

Further Reading:

Family of Origin & Attachment Trauma

Family of origin work delves into the ways in which your past experiences, particularly within your immediate family during your childhood, have influenced your view of yourself, others, and the world.

One of the most profound aspects of clinical work involves delving into your family of origin and exploring the wounds of your inner-child. Your relationships within your family of origin and with your primary caregivers during your early years shape how you navigate your adult relationships and significantly impact your attachment patterns. By gaining a deeper understanding of your early attachments to your caretakers, you can identify and enhance your self-awareness within your adult relationships.

Further Reading:

Relationships & Couples Therapy

Relationships are hard work. You may find that communicating with your partner is some of the most difficult communication in your life. I practice couples therapy from the framework of Dr. Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. Learning to re-establish emotional connection comes from learning to support and protect yourself and your partner foundationally. We will go back to the foundations in couples therapy and re-learn how to love yourself and your partner.

I work specifically with couples where one or both partners is struggling with Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, or Emotional Dysregulation.

Further Reading:

Addiction

Addictive behavior is any behavior that we are likely to repeat because it has been followed by a reward experience - compulsive shopping, gambling, pornography, sex, compulsions around eating, etc. Some cues that you may be experiencing addictive thinking and behavior: unsuccessful pacts with yourself to quit, doing more of a behavior than is intended, cue-triggered responses, loss of control, and affect on your daily functioning.

My background and the beginnings of my therapeutic work was in the addiction field, and some of my most rewarding experiences as a therapist have been witnessing the healing journey toward recovery. Addiction is a neurobiological disease with genetic, neurological, and environmental components. Whether you are on a journey toward sobriety or harm-reduction, I can be a guide for you in understanding and healing your addiction. Addiction is not limited to substance abuse. If you would like to speak about my therapy work in addiction, please do not hesitate to reach out. I would be happy to hear from you.

Mood Disorders

Mood Disorders are disorders characterized by persistent changes in mood, including Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorders, and Cyclothymic Disorder. Sometimes life throws us a curve ball: career change, divorce, breakup, geographical change, empty nesting, an accident, etc. Whether it was expected or unexpected, life changes can be quite distressing and cause changes to your mood. Sometimes, nothing has happened at all, and the chemistry in your brain begins to change, altering your mood. Together we will focus on your changing moods, and help you to stabilize so you can work toward living your most fulfilling life. ** Disclaimer - I do not see clients in my private practice who are currently struggling with chronic, unrelenting Depressive Disorders and suicidal ideation**