The therapeutic process seeks to build on the relationship established in the first meeting and subsequently thereafter. The primary goal of our first meeting is to nurture the therapeutic alliance and help support your growth. In order to nurture our relationship in therapy, you and I will look closely at words such as trust, communication and acceptance. I will be integrating what I have learned theoretically and creatively in order to aid in your therapeutic healing.

With a non-judgmental stance, empathic and authentic congruency, I will do my best to ensure safety in attuning to what you will be needing, focusing on, or simply exploring. It is with great hope that we focus on exploring what purpose or function is or is not serving you. For instance, if shame and negative self-talk is de-stabilizing you; we will focus on how to stabilize your thoughts, feelings and emotions into positive self-talk, acceptance and symmetry.

In addition, I have worked with the LGBTQ+ community, and understand the stressors that LGBTQ+ groups confront, such as homophobia, societal discrimination and prejudice, coming out, and negotiating family relationships. My approach can offer much needed support and healing.

As a therapist trained in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), I understand the importance of coaching a patient—even when the patient is not utilizing the strict structure of DBT. That is why I do offer in vivo coaching to provide in-the-moment support for my patients. While applying the same dialectical validation styles and problem-solving techniques and strategies, I am able to still guide my patients through their inner angst.

The process of being a client is one that can be not only challenging but demanding/trying. It can feel excruciating to be brought face-to-face with pain, shame and guilt. This is why I believe that I have great responsibility in sitting with you and offering you honesty, challenge and respect. I believe that therapy can offer you a space to establish an alliance and refuge (or respite). Irving Yalom shares that as therapists, we have a key role in being alert to client’s readiness to change and/or commit to therapy and by removing obstacles to engaging in therapy.