Who I Help

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I am a LGBTQIA+ identifying person and my primary passion is working with the LGBTQIA+ community.  I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ related concerns, gender identity, intimate partner violence, relationship issues, depression, and anxiety. As a trans-identifying person, I am incredibly passionate about working with other trans and non-binary individuals.

 

Life is hard--let's not sugarcoat it.

And being a part of a consistently targeted community only adds an extra layer of difficulty.

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Since coming out, I have known that working with the LGBTQIA+ community in a therapeutic capacity is what I want to do. It is where all of my passion exists. I believe that everyone deserves respect and human decency, at the bare minimum. I believe that if our country's systems are going to change at all, it’s going to come from people like me (us) who have lived through and seen the worst; the people who truly understand what it is like to seek care as an LGBTQ-identified person, and care to make a difference.

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Throughout my life, I have always felt like an "other", and I have struggled to find queer-competent and affirming mental health providers. I love what I do as a therapist because I get to BE the person that I wish I had met when I needed support.

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What Can you Expect?

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My primary goal is to help make the lives of individuals in our community easier, safer, and more enjoyable. I have worked with the community in various capacities such as volunteering, advocacy, case management and social work. As a member of the community, I am no stranger to navigating the curveballs and challenges that society continuously throws at us on a regular basis.

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As a queer trans person, I will offer my lived and professional experiences when appropriate (and when given permission) in order to provide a safe, affirming environment where you will always feel heard and supported. However, this is, and always will be, your space. I recognize that no one's identity exploration is the same, and I acknowledge that I do not have all of the answers. But I will always be transparent and your biggest advocate along your journey.

 

I'm the kind of person that strangers walk up to and tell their whole life story--which is somewhat surprising given the fact that my entire upper body is fully tattooed. Needless to say, I'm pretty non-traditional! I'll laugh with you, I'll swear, and I'll always keep it real. I bring my genuine, authentic self into the room, and I hope that you will, too.

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"Commit to loving yourself completely. It’s the most radical thing you will do in your lifetime." -Andrea Gibson

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Trauma

I approach trauma utilizing a combination of elements from CBT, family systems, person-centered therapy and psychoeducation. I work diligently to develop rapport and establish a solid foundation of trust, which is so vital when doing this work. By presenting thoughtful evidence and through in-depth reflection, I challenge dysfunctional or unhelpful beliefs that often result in individuals feeling "stuck" in the past.

 

Historically, the goal for treating trauma was to talk about it, and then simply try to let it go. I don't feel that this is realistic, but actually can increase the risk of retraumatization. Trauma is a part of who we are and it inevitably plays some sort of role in who we become. I believe that healing looks like leaving one foot in the past and one in the present/future. We can be cognizant of our trauma, how the trauma influenced who we are today, and how the trauma can positively impact our future--so that we can finally learn how to work with the trauma instead of using our energy fighting against it.

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Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence is often a taboo topic and many find it challenging to discuss the reality that is abuse. I worked as an advocate for the National Domestic Violence Hotline for 3 years, and have spoken to thousands of survivors of intimate partner violence.

 

You are not alone.

 

Pulling from both personal and professional experiences, I will work diligently with you to break down the walls surrounding the serious issue of intimate partner violence. I am patient, non-judgmental, and ever-curious. Together we can identify red flags and warning signs, discuss healthy relationship traits, and plans to keep yourself safe--however that looks for you. I want to hear your WHOLE story and help guide you down your chosen path.

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 When I'm not at Open Space CCW, you may also find me...

 

Snuggling with my cats during the week and busting out the nerdy board games on the weekends.

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