What inspired you to become a therapist?
As a teenager, I had a mental health crisis that sent me spiraling into despair and self-destruction. Thankfully, with the help and support of a handful of wonderful mental health professionals, I not only emerged from my “dark night” but embarked on a journey of personal transformation. As a young adult, I had viewed therapy (and therapists) with skepticism and disdain. “These folks are getting paid to be my friend. What phoneys!” were my thoughts after being released from inpatient treatment at 18. Now, however, I can see the gift that those therapists had given me – they showed up with wisdom, gentleness, and patience in a world of “shoulds”, where everyone else was yelling, “You’re broken! You’re doing it wrong!” I think this non-judgmental presence is what’s needed for true growth and healing. Those therapists made such a huge impact on me that I was inspired to follow in their footsteps.
What practices help to guide, inform, and/or inspire your work as a therapist?
My approach is person-centered, existential, and eclectic. My work is informed by my experience working with many different healers, and modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and hypnotherapy, as well as journeying with plant medicines. I am a licensed psilocybin facilitator, engage in daily meditation, and pay close attention to lessons learned from my own life and interpersonal challenges. As a therapist, it’s important to me that I show up as who I am. I feel that healing involves synchronicity and resonance, so if I’m not right for you, it’s best to work with someone else who is.
What does it mean to you to heal, or be a healer/agent of healing?
I believe the process of healing for each of us is mysterious and unique, and the healers we journey with often show up at just the right time and place to help us when we need them.
The way I see it, healing is about taking meaningful action to raise self-awareness so one can better accept reality. This in turn tends to increase connection with and empathy for others and expands our capacity to deal with hardship and stress. For me, healing involves confronting my own shadows and wounds, learning how to control less and let go more, trust more and defend less, and how to choose love over fear, especially under circumstances where this feels almost impossible.
What have you learned from your work / collaboration as a therapist working with individuals and communities?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Theories and interventions are useful for understanding human motivation and behavior and can help us change how we respond to life. However, I’ve found that what benefits most people is a safe and spacious relationship which allows them to be seen and understood – a container where they can explore where they came from, who they are now, and who they are becoming. I believe values and culture play a big part in shaping how we show up in the world, so I always make room for these topics.
What insurance(s) do you accept?
I accept Kaiser, Cigna, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, Moda Health and Providence through Sakura Counseling.