My style is gentle, compassionate, and direct. I believe therapy works best when both of us are engaged and active, so I listen deeply but also play a very active role - ensuring I understand you, offering clarifying feedback, and at times providing pscyhoeducation and suggestions. I try to maintain and encourage a stance of curiosity as we balance the dual goals of learning from the past while attuning to the present. I prefer to be solution-focused, and will seek input from you about what feels helpful and what does not. My work is also strength-based, which means I'm always finding and highlighting existing strengths and resources.

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My theoretical approach has shifted over the years, as I continue to evolve and grow as a therapist. Early in my training (so long ago!) I focused mainly on insight-oriented psychodynamic approaches. I still love those "ah ha" moments that insight brings, but I have since been influenced by many other perspectives. I've grown to deeply appreciate experiential learning and value what is happening live, in each moment of a therapy session. This lens has enabled a shift to more present-based and solution-focused work, and I teach my clients to tap into this powerful perspective. I apply family systems theory, which is extremely helpful when we need to make sense of the complicated interplay between individuals and their family and social contexts. Most importantly, the wealth of new information offered by neuroscience has significantly shaped my perspective on therapeutic techniques. For example, research about interpersonal neurobiology as well as the long-term effects and treatment of trauma has led me to incorporate evidenced-based somatic approaches. And our new understanding of the brain and neuroplasticity has informed my work with clients with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.

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 Techniques I use  include regular, old "talk therapy," as well as cognitive-based techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and exposure and response prevention (ERP). I also incorporate mind-body techniques, like EMDR, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and somatic-based therapies that focus on increased inner awareness, or "interoception." Parts work therapy, sometimes referred to as "internal family systems therapy," has also become an essential part of my therapist toolkit.

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Some of my professional heroes are Carl Rogers, Bessel van der Kolk, Milton Erickson, Babette Rothschild, Stephen Porges, Allan Shore, Francine Shapiro, Marsha Linehan, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Richard Schwartz.