Clinical Focus
Adolescence & Young Adults
Adolescence and young adulthood are periods of great transition; both stages of life involve questions of identity and self-worth. Relationships to family, friends and loved ones begin to take on a different shape and our support systems often shift. We are often told that these life stages are supposed to be the most fun and carefree, but in reality, we more often experience the opposite: confusion, anxiety, depression, and fear. When faced with these larger pressures and expectations, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and alone. Having someone to support you through these tumultuous transitions can make all the difference. In our work together, we will explore your hopes, anxieties, fears, stressors, desires, and identify development, opening the door to new possibilities.
Individual Counseling
No matter what your age is, you are never too young or too old to benefit from exploring your story. Stories of pain, trauma and harm leave a mark on us that does not easily go away. When relationships are the source of our pain, our fear tells us that relationships can’t be trusted. Rather than offering us a chance to grieve and heal, the resulting isolation only forestalls this process and internalizes the pain, making it that much harder to handle future situations. But we are hardwired for connection and relationship, not isolation. In counseling, we will explore these painful and traumatic experiences together, paying close attention to internalized messages, bodily sensations, family patterns, and relational desires. Together, we will open the door to healing and hope.
Adoptive & Foster Care Counseling
Working in the foster care industry as a mental health counselor has given me tremendous respect for the parents and family members who have made the choice to support and love children who come from difficult homes. Dealing with the survival behaviors kids and teens bring with them into their placement families can be challenging and discouraging. When faced with difficult behaviors, it is easy to personalize and enter into self-blame. These children often have no idea how to connect with others in a normal, healthy way, so bridging the gap between foster and adoptive parents and their children is crucial. In my counseling work with foster/adoptive children and their families, I emphasize creating meaningful connection and understanding, addressing the painful wounds that exist on both sides, and creating a safe family system that encourages vulnerability and support.
Male Identity Formation Counseling
We live in a culture that glorifies performance and harshly punishes anyone who steps outside of imposed socially accepted norms. The consequences for violating these expectations are particularly devastating for men and boys, who are commonly told that any sign of emotional vulnerability is weakness. Males are forced to hide behind a mask of toughness and invulnerability that leads to intense feelings of shame, disconnection, isolation, and rage. When trauma or crisis occurs, men are often ill-equipped to handle them. When working with men, my most important goal is creating a safe, supportive relationship that allows for the processing of traumatic stories, openness to connection, and emotional vulnerability. It is only when we confront our stories head-on that we are truly able to thrive.