My Approach

I am a psychodynamic therapist blending relational, trauma-focused care with tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), modern Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – all aimed at supporting deep healing.

Let’s break down that mouthful…

  • Trust and safety are essential to healing, and yet, take time to build.

    Many people I work with have good reason to be guarded. My aim is to provide a steady, reliable space where you can grow into yourself, deepen awareness, and begin making sense of your emotional experiences.

  • We slow down together.

    Rather than reacting out of habit, we’ll get curious about what’s happening in the moment. By observing ourselves, we can notice ourselves doing those same things we always do (this part is frustrating!). This awareness leads to an even deeper unraveling of our internal conflicts and feelings and we can better acknowledge all the inner and outer forces acting upon us - not without also acknowledging our personal responsibility.

  • We have to feel what deserves to be felt.

    From my experiences as a therapist AND a client, I know that we can’t simply think our way through our issues – FEELING is necessary. For as long as we are scared of feeling, avoiding pain, or living by someone else's rules and ideals, we hold ourselves back. There are tons of fantastic reasons why we avoid our feelings, but when we feel safe enough to dig into them and start connecting to the wisdom in our body, this is where we really feel the transformation.

To be honest, this is a journey.

And it’s okay if you only want a few parts of this and then to move on. But if you are down for all of this, I’ll be there beside you. I’m active in session and will likely push you to think more deeply, feel, and reflect. I always aim to do so with care and compassion. Together, we will uncover the root of your pain and help you plant seeds for the life that you want.

But… What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy?

If you are picturing Freud and a couch, you are not alone. Psychodynamic therapy is a modern, thoughtful approach that focuses on how we got here, where we are, and where we are going. Yes, it began with Freud, but there have been many significant and modern contributions from some very smart people that came after him.

Psychodynamic therapy acknowledges how we are shaped by our experiences and earliest relationships and how that still shows up in your current life. From this lens, we seek curiosity and understanding about how you’ve adapted, what patterns you keep repeating, and what might need to be felt, grieved, or reimagined. We’re not here to pathologize you, we are here to help you in your emotional growth.

You may have tried other therapies that eased symptoms, but the absence of misery is not the same as thriving. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is about living, growing, and exploring – not just symptom reduction. By knowing yourself more fully, you can loosen self-criticism, heal psychological wounds, and address long-standing patterns which aren’t working for you.