Hello
I can't imagine doing any other work. I love my work. My approach is mindful, heart-centered and remains open to the possibilities that can occur in each session with a client.
I am a Polyvagal Informed therapist. This means that I have an integrative approach of working somatically with the body and the nervous system. I understand that each person's autonomic nervous system plays a huge role in how one thinks, feels and sees their world. So, a foundational piece of how I work is to focus on how my client can feel as safe and present in session, which can directly impact healing.
The Autonomic Nervous System is the part of our body whose job it is to keep us safe. It is an automatic, unconscious process that can impact our thoughts, feelings and behavior. By getting to know your own body and how it works to protect you, you can grow awareness and increase your emotional capacity. We work together to create a different and more enlivened way of inhabiting your body and experiencing your life.
My Story
In 1998, I began my studies at Naropa University, a Buddhist college in beautiful Boulder, Colorado. There I received an undergraduate degree in Contemplative Psychology, which incorporates Buddhist teachings, like meditation, with modern Western psychology. This enhanced my own personal meditation practice that I continue with to this day. This meditation practice only benefits and supports my work professionally as a therapist.
In 2000, I went on to receive my Master’s degree from Antioch University in Santa Barbara, California. I wanted a balance between the Eastern psychological perspective that I learned at Naropa to blend with the traditional Western perspective. I built on my experience through working in many different settings, with people working through Trauma, Grief, Domestic Violence, and Anger.
Following my education, and through the years, I have spent time working with pregnancy and birth, as well as grief and loss. I noticed my work took me to both ends of life's spectrum. As a therapist, I find that I gravitate towards thresholds, times of great transition. Whether this looks like birth or a new beginning, or a loss and a mourning time, these times can be profound and can often be transformational.
I have also spent years learning about the body and the nervous system in the face of trauma. This is a foundation of my work. I have done extensive studies in the realms of Polyvagal Theory, somatic based awareness, Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, meditation and compassion - all which greatly support trauma healing. I believe in meeting my clients as whole humans- whose minds, bodies and hearts are all interwoven and need to be honored and listened to...
Contact
I'm here to connect. If you have questions about me and how I work, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please reach out.
(805) 570-0636