LGBTQQ  

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning.  My experiences working and living within the community have taught me to never make assumptions and to strive to understand the nuances between behavior and identity.  I also share a common language with this population, which helps to assure LGBTQQ clients that they do not have to spend time explaining terms and labels. I enjoy working with the intersectionality of gender, sexuality, race, socio-economics, and ableism.  I have supported LGBTQQ clients regarding issues such as; contemplation, coming out, families in grief, assertiveness, safety planning, sexuality, spirituality, couples counseling, polyamory, family planning, non-binary identities, transitioning, and gender confirming procedures and surgeries.

EMERGING ADULTHOOD

Society puts a great deal of pressure on young people to figure out who they are. But the truth is our brains are still developing past our teens and well into our 20’s and even then, our identities are continuously evolving throughout our life. I use the term emerging adulthood to include a wider and more realistic period of time for young people to begin answering the question, “Who am I?” while learning to take on adult responsibilities.  

I have experience helping young people retain a sense of wonder and curiosity while developing the skills for independence and self-sufficiency.  Whether you were forced to grow up too fast or have never been given responsibility, acknowledging your skills and talents will be the foundation of our work.  Are you starting college, moving to a new city, physically and/or emotionally separating from family or learning to navigate romantic relationships? I can help.  

TRAUMA

The word “trauma” alone causes great alarm.  We think of physical injuries from car accidents, for example, as justified traumatic experiences but if there’s isn’t a scratch or a mark there is a general assumption that we can get over it.  We learn to minimize internal wounds that are not visible to others.  We are left to silently deal with the recurring physical sensations (tight chest, difficulty breathing, shaking hands, rapid changes in body temperature, numbness, etc)  and/or debilitating self doubt. I help clients stop blaming themselves for experiences they had no control over and offer skills to create greater understanding and compassion for self. My approach is to slow things down so you understand your own physiological responses to triggers while building the tools to self-soothe. I use psychoeducation, mindfulness, reflection, EMDR, and collaboration with the client.