Who I Help

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I'm a LGBTQIA+ affirming, and social justice oriented therapist. I believe social justice is not an option, but a necessity in the mental health field, and I stand as a firm advocate for the rights of historically marginalized individuals.

 

I have experience working with individuals part of the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, disabled and low-income communities. I'm extremely passionate about working with individuals who have experienced racial trauma or racial identity concerns, identity exploration, body image issues and women's issues. I stand on a firm foundation of multicultural feminism as my main modality, and incorporate elements of narrative, solution-focused, mindfulness, CBT and IFS theories (a little bit of everything!).

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What Can you Expect?

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What makes me different is what makes anyone different from others: I have a personality and way of being that is completely my own. I like to approach therapeutic rapport as a partnership where we work together, and typically use humor to create connections.

 

I'll call you on your BS--in the most loving way possible. I also have lived experience with several intersecting marginalized identities, and offer a unique perspective on what that experience has been as a fat-bodied, mixed race, bisexual woman.

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I love stories. I've always been a huge bookworm, and find human beings with different cultural and social backgrounds who have different worldviews to have fascinating stories. I feel a great deal of empathy for the pain, confusion and hopelessness that come along with those multi-layered stories, and I also enjoy celebrating the joys and victories of life.

 

Life is one big journey, and I like getting to know about your journey and helping in the ways that I can as you decide on your own direction.

 

Life is hard--but life is less hard when you have someone who cares about you and is supporting you along the way.

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"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." -Oscar Wilde

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Racial Trauma

I typically approach trauma by utilizing elements of narrative therapy.  I view racial trauma as an aspect of your story, or narrative, that has shaped your lived experience. You can expect us to dive into what your racial identity is, what it means to your, how it has affected your experiences, and exploring racial identity development models. My specialized training comes from classes on treating racial trauma, and human development and family services courses, as well as lived experience as a minority individual with a history of racial development confusion. I have experience working with intergenerational, racial, acute and chronic trauma.

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Identity Work

Identity work must be approached with acceptance, genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and free of judgement.  Identity exploration can involve many aspects of identity; sexual, gender, racial, disability, body work, etc. I have a great deal of experience working with folks exploring racial and gender identity.

 

My approach in doing this work is generally explored collaboratively through the lens of multicultural feminist theory, with the use of narrative therapy to identify your desired narrative or idea of self. Identity work is often an ongoing process that evolves and changes with time, and I like to take time to observe and learn more about how aspects of identity have changed or remained the same over time.

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Depression and Anxiety

I primarily approach issues surrounding depression and anxiety with solution focused, CBT, motivational interviewing, narrative and mindfulness theories, with elements of IFS (so a little bit of everything, depending on what may work best for you!).

 

I view depression and anxiety as inevitable symptoms of the ever changing world full of uncertainty that we currently live in. It is my belief that individuals with these diagnoses can view depression or anxiety as their entire being/personality/self, and my general view and approach is to help you discern the difference between who you are as a person and what your mental response to your environment is. You can expect positive coping skills, safety planning as needed, mindfulness practices, and identifying strengths to be brought into the therapy room, if you determine that would be helpful to you.

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

 

Playing with my fur babies (dogs and cats!), reading, playing video games, going for a walk in the park, or taking a nap!

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Call us, send us a message via our contact form below, or email us to get started.

724-777-1433

hello@openspaceccw.com