Frequently Asked Questions
What is person-centered therapy?
This approach rests on the belief that we, humans, are naturally inclined toward positive growth. This means I trust you as a collaborator in the process. I'm here to support you as you explore and work toward the life you want.
It also means I trust us to go where we need to go; I always keep your goals in mind as we work together, and I'm not a taskmaster who's going to set strict session agendas or push you to drive directly at those goals in every session. I've learned that there can be magic in the combination of holding goals gently, trusting each other, and trusting the therapeutic process.
Wait a minute. It sounds like you're relying on me to lead the work. What's your role?
I'll be blunt. You are going to do the hardest part of this work! But there is no world in which I expect you to do all the work. I am absolutely here holding your goals in mind and helping guide sessions. I'm here to offer tools and concepts and exercises from more structured therapy modalities when applicable. I'm here to offer activities and ideas to focus on between sessions. While I'm not here to tell you what to do, I am active in sessions and will very much support you in the work.
What is strength-based therapy?
This approach is a wonderful compliment to person-centered therapy in that it rests on the idea that you already have amazing strengths that you can access and utilize. It permeates the work because I can't help but see the wonderful things you're doing and how the strengths that allow you to do them can support your goals. So, not only do I believe you want to engage in positive growth, I also believe you already have resources to do so! (It can be uncomfortable to be on the receiving end of positive feedback, and I'm adept at adjusting to ensure it's not overwhelming.)
But what about EMDR, CBT, DBT, ACT, IFS, etc.? How can you help me if you don't use any of these approaches?
I do utilize concepts, skills, and resources from various approaches, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
And, the primary way I support you is with basic counseling skills, those that underlie every technical, structured approach. There is deep value in sitting with someone who attunes to you, who truly sees you, who helps you explore your internal experience, and who challenges you to confront yourself.
These simple components of human connection, combined with my clinical expertise and genuine curiosity and care, can be transformative.
Ok, but what about your work with relationships? How can you help us if you're not a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)?
I am primarily trained as an individual therapist, and I have worked with relationships since 2023.
I have some training in The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, which posits that just like humans go through predictable developmental stages, romantic relationships do as well, and that challenges can often be traced to stuck points in that developmental process. While I may use concepts from this approach to inform my work and may use skills and resources when applicable, I stay true to my person-centered, strength-based approach even in relationship work.
The basic counseling skills that work so well to support individual therapy translate well into relationship therapy. As I support each member of the relationship in exploring, clarifying, and describing their internal experience, the other is present and witnessing and learning, and in this way, we engage in a process of creating shared understanding. Additionally, my neutrality allows me to offer a unique perspective in which I can both clarify and understand what is being communicated while at the same time identifying breakdowns in communication.
And, of course, once challenges are identified, I'm here to provide tools and teach skills to help you communicate more effectively. The work in relationship therapy is about the process as much as the content, and I'm here to support you in having the hard conversations and in learning the skills you need so that you can have the hard conversations on your own.
What if I'm not neurodivergent, and I'm not looking for relationship counseling? Can you still help me?
Yes! While my primary passions are in serving these populations, I have experience supporting neurotypical clients in individual therapy and am happy to explore whether or not we might be a good fit.
How do I know if we're a good fit?
I'm happy to meet for a 15-minute complimentary consultation so that we don't have to guess! Send me a quick message, and I'll reach out to schedule.
Here's a little more information to help you decide if you want to meet for that consultation. I tend to work with clients on a long-term basis with a focus on personal and/or relationship development. I tend to be a good fit for those who are open to introspection and looking to better understand themselves, their relationships, and their experiences.
I'm not a great fit if you're looking for support purely with behavioral change without gaining insight or if you're experiencing an acute crisis within your relationship.