My therapeutic approach is rooted in relationship. Above all, it is important that you feel comfortable, seen, and heard throughout your therapeutic journey. You can expect an authentic, empathetic, and direct approach from me. I will sit with you through the pain, celebrate your successes, and challenge you to shift, adjust, or reframe unhelpful narratives.
Suffering and trauma are bound to bring pain, confusion and dysregulation. The beautiful thing about our brains is that they are adaptive. However, protective coping mechanisms have the ability to influence patterns of interacting or reacting that may no longer serve us. This could lead to a host of challenges such as anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and relational conflict. Together, we will uncover the fortitude and strength that has been within you all along, reshape your relationship with your patterns, and connect with yourself and others more authentically. I deeply believe that by exploring your emotional world in a safe space, you can uncover inner wisdom, power, and direction to lead a more authentic, fulfilling, and thriving life.
I was drawn to Marriage and Family Therapy for several reasons. First and foremost, I believe that everyone deserves access to health and wellness. Secondly, I believe that the systems of our lives impact our overall functioning, health, growth, and healing. My experience in various helping professions has influenced my perspective on the transformative nature of a safe and authentic relationship. In therapy, we begin the process of exploring, building compassion, and healing to improve functioning and well-being. It is an honor to guide and bear witness to this journey with clients.
This deep passionate for humans and connection led me to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota-TC in 2013 and Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2019. As a marriage and family therapist, I consider individuals within the context of their systems of interaction such as family, culture, education, race, society, identity, and sexuality. I am deeply curious about your story and how it formed. When we understand where we came from, we learn to trust where we are going.
The foundation of emotional health is rooted in security and safety in our primary relationships, including our relationship with ourselves. I am particularly interested in developmental trauma, inner-child work, re-parenting, and play therapy. I have experience applying relational interventions within parent-child, couple, and many other forms of relationship. My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed and rooted in attachment theory. Furthermore, I draw from systemic theory, feminist theory, structural theory, collaborative therapy, and emotionally focused therapy. That being said, each client has a unique healing journey and I will collaborate with you to determine what methods fit best.
I have a background in play therapy, crisis management, and family therapy. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. In addition to my education, I have received training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Prepare-Enrich pre-marital couples assessment, Brainspotting, and Psychological First Aid.
When I am not working, I am likely out enjoying nature, spending time with my loved ones, or listening to a podcast.
Enneagram: 2
MBTI: ENFJ
Clifton Strengths: Empathy, Individualization, Developer, Input, Arranger
