My Philosophy
As a therapist, I strongly believe that early relationships are fundamental to each individual's ability to interact, relate and connect to others. We learn about relationships and how to build relationships from our parents as children. We take those expectations and place them in new relationships, wanting aspects we didn't have before and craving familiarity in these new relationships that we create. This often creates misunderstanding, chaos or even conflict at times as we grow up.
Much of my work with families, couples or children is about creating understanding about the expectations that are taken for granted or aren't as clear as we tend to think.
I also believe that we have enough judgment, assumption and criticism in our relationships and even in our own thinking.
Therefore, I thrive to create an experience with my patients where they don't have to defend themselves, feel like greater failures in areas that they struggle, or walk away feeling worse about themselves. I offer hope and comfort, centering on understanding the mess of relationships and being a calm warm person to process thoughts.
FOR CHILDREN
While traditional talk-therapy works for adults, a different therapy has shown significant results with children. Children's natural communication is through play, whether pretend or imaginary, living out fantasies, or reenactment. Common signs of distress in children are fidgetiness, restlessness, hyperactivity, isolation, extreme emotions, tantrums, aggression, or other odd behaviors (appetite changes, sleep or activity changes, and bowel movement changes). At times, these changes in children can be confusing, unexplained and even scary. I work to meet children where they are at, with the understanding that allowing them to tell their story through play in their own timing, which is the most beneficial and natural way for them to communicate.
FOR PARENTS
It is common to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and as though nothing you do is working. This can often leave parents feeling isolated and guilty or ashamed of their parenting skills. It is not about being the perfect parent, because that isn't attainable or realistic. Parenting is about being a good enough parent, one who instills hope, allows for the creation of a developed positive self esteem, and be emotionally capable of handling the stress and disappointment of life. Through our work together, I believe that a focus on the child, while still being an independent adult can become attainable again.
I am a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern