- Difficult life transitions such as career changes, divorce, lack of relational intimacy, and health problems
- Onset of depression or chronic depression struggling with loss of energy or motivation, loss of desire and passion
- Anxiety/panic attacks chronic uncontrollable worry about job, health, and social relationships
- Lack of intimacy/ relationship satisfaction
- Grief and bereavement
- Chronic illness
- Individuals who are foreigners seeking a cultural competent therapist Learn more »
In psychotherapy with me I will put my prejudice, biases, and personal issues aside and become an receiver of your story. Your job is to talk about what’s on your mind and speak as freely and honestly as you can. My job is to listen carefully; paying attention to the emotional side of things, so that we can understand better and resolve what might be hurting. Goals of this type of therapy are to increase insight, expand self-awareness, deepen emotional experience and have variety of intimate connections.
The single most precious gift we possess is our human self-awareness;
it holds our potential for pleasure, for love and for meaningful work.
Emotional problems can rob us of this potential and lock us in a sort of
experiential darkness. As a therapist, I assist others on the difficult
and very personal journey from pain into and greater personal freedom.
"I beg you...to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer." Rainer Maria Rilke
Psychodynamic approach emphasizes the relationship between the patient and the therapist and the way one's history has contributed to current life's struggles. This type of therapy is a long-term psychotherapy it focuses on deepening insight, increasing self-awareness, working through internal conflicts, and resolving symptoms.
My
preparation in counseling includes both a Masters and Bachelors Degree
in Psychology from Northwest University. My Masters Degree was in
cross-cultural counseling psychology. Focusing on how our cultural
heritage informs our current behavior, values, beliefs, and customs. I
integrate my training as a cross-cultural counselor and also use
psychodynamic theory to help inform my understanding and treatment of my
patients. Click here to learn more about my intercultural focus.
Our
cultural trend is to dismiss spiritual aspects of ourselves. I believe
there is a spiritual meaning to our existence and emotional well being.
If you are a person of certain faith I don’t shy away from discussing and integrating your faith in our treatment. Questions of God come up and I am humbled by them. I offer a space of genuine curiosity and reflective feedback.
Culture Focused
We
live in a diverse area; filled with many different cultures and ethnic
groups. It’s important to pay attention to our cultural identity and
find ways to tap into its unique and creative potential. Individuals who
are foreigners to US bring a wealth of information and experiences, but
they also face issues of relocation, displacement, isolation and loss.