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Areas of Specialty
Reproductive Mental Health
Reproductive mental health therapy focuses on the emotional and psychological experiences tied to fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and the lifelong journey of parenthood. These seasons often bring joy and excitement, but they can also be filled with uncertainty, grief, and profound change. It is common to feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unlike yourself when navigating challenges such as infertility, pregnancy loss, or adjusting to the new responsibilities of parenthood. Even the happiest milestones (becoming pregnant or welcoming a child) can carry unexpected stress, anxiety, or identity shifts.
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In therapy, we create a supportive and nonjudgmental space to explore these complex emotions. Together, we may work through the grief of miscarriage or stillbirth, the stress of fertility treatments, the intensity of postpartum depression or anxiety, or the frustration of feeling disconnected from your partner while trying to grow your family. For new mothers, this can include processing the identity transformation that comes with motherhood (AKA matrescense) and learning how to balance your new role while maintaining your sense of self, relationships, and personal well-being.
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This work also extends to couples, who often experience strain during these transitions. Therapy provides tools to improve communication, navigate conflict, and support one another more deeply during times of change. By addressing the unique mental health challenges of the reproductive journey, therapy fosters resilience, healing, and connection, helping you and your family feel more grounded, supported, and whole.
Relationships & Couples Therapy
Treating relationships in therapy encompasses a wide range of dynamics beyond romantic partnerships. As a therapist trained in family systems therapy, I assist clients in navigating the complexities of being in relationships with others; whether that means friends, work colleagues, significant others or family. Therapy offers a safe space to explore and understand the dynamics within these relationships, identify patterns of communication, and develop healthier ways of relating to others. I help clients understand the underlying patterns and interactions that contribute to relational challenges, empowering them to set healthy boundaries and cultivate effective communication skills. Setting healthy boundaries is a fundamental aspect of maintaining healthy relationships and preserving one's emotional well being. A wise professor once shared with me "boundaries are not about creating distance with others, they are actually about keeping the people that we love closer in our lives". Boundaries define the limits and expectations within relationships, helping individuals establish a sense of safety, autonomy, and self-respect.
In couples therapy, I draw upon Gottman therapy techniques to support couples in rebuilding trust, enhancing commitment, and fostering mutual understanding. Whether it's premarital counseling or assisting couples in crisis, my approach emphasizes fostering connection, resilience, and growth within relationships. Drawing from my training in Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), I integrate evidence-based techniques to help couples navigate challenges and strengthen their bond. Gottman Couples Therapy provides a structured framework for assessing relationship dynamics and identifying patterns of communication and behavior that contribute to conflict or disconnection. Couples learn practical skills to enhance friendship, manage conflict constructively, and nurture shared goals and values. My training in EFT allows me to explore underlying emotional dynamics and attachment patterns within the relationship. EFT helps couples identify and express their needs for closeness and security, while also addressing fears of rejection or abandonment. I also incorporate attachment theory, to help couples understand how their attachment styles influence their interactions and relationship dynamics. The goal is for couples to develop a more secure and fulfilling connection with each other.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, are among the most common mental health conditions worldwide. Depression, characterized by persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities affects millions of people globally. Symptoms can manifest in various forms, ranging from mild to severe and can significantly impair daily functioning, relationships and overall quality of life. Anxiety disorders involve excessive worry, fear, or apprehension about future events or situations. They encompass various disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias, each with its own set of symptoms and triggers.
As a therapist specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I offer effective telehealth treatment for anxiety and depression. Using ACT, clients learn to accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with their values. With CBT, I assist clients in identifying and challenging negative thought patterns to promote healthier cognitive responses. Additionally, DBT techniques empower clients to regulate emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and cultivate mindfulness, fostering meaningful and sustainable progress in their mental health journey.
Burn-Out & Stress
Burn-out is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion, resulting from prolonged exposure to stress, particularly in the workplace or caregiving roles. It is characterized by feelings of fatigue, cynicism, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. It often leads to a sense of detachment or disengagement from work or personal life, leading to social withdrawal and isolation. It can also impair cognitive function, affecting memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities. When left untreated, burnout can significantly impair an individual's overall well-being and quality of life. In therapy, we uncover what factors exacerbated burn-out, symptoms at present, and coping skills to help manage and treat underlying challenges. Feeling "burnt-out" can lead to feelings of guilt or shame, due to society's pressure to over-excel and "be productive". Whether it's time to change jobs or reassess your values, the goal is to develop a renewed sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Stress can have profound effects on our mental health, influencing mood, behavior, and overall well-being. When faced with stressors, whether they are physical, emotional, or psychological, our bodies respond by releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While short-term stress can be motivating and adaptive, chronic or excessive stress can lead to poor psychological outcomes. Chronic stress has been linked to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia, and even PTSD. Prolonged exposure to stress can also impair cognitive function, affecting memory, concentration, and decision-making skills. Additionally, stress can impact our relationships, work performance, and physical health. It can lead to difficulties in communication, conflict with others, decreased productivity and motivation, and heightened vulnerability to physical illnesses. Management of stress requires fortifying the mind and body through mindfulness, relaxation techniques, self-care, exercise, addequate sleep, and outpatient psychotherapy.
Through a combination of ACT principles and mindfulness techniques, I guide clients in acknowledging and accepting their emotions and experiences without judgment. Together, we explore values clarification and goal-setting to rekindle motivation and purpose. Mindfulness practices foster present moment awareness, helping clients cultivate resilience and self-compassion amidst challenges. By integrating these approaches, I empower clients to navigate burnout with greater clarity, resilience, and renewed vitality.
Self-Love & Self-Esteem
You may have heard the quote "it is only when you learn to love yourself, that you'll be able to love others more effectively". The concept of self-love is often dismissed as a "cheesy" notion, undermining its significance. I am here to tell you that fostering self-love is an invaluable skill for long-lasting mental health wellness. We live in a world where it is difficult to love ourselves. Societal and cultural influences, including societal standards of beauty, success, and worthiness promote comparison and perfectionism. Additionally, past experiences of trauma, rejection or invalidation can shape our self-perception and ability to practice self-love. Negative self-talk has become the standard. We truly are our own worst critics. Yet, it is not your fault. Many of us were not taught to love ourselves from an early age. How do you feel when you look at your reflection in the mirror? How do you talk to yourself when you feel down? Therapy helps you create new and improved habits so that your inner voice consistently shows up as healing rather than critical. When individuals have a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-worth, they are better equipped to cope with challenges, setbacks, and criticism. They are less likely to interbalize negative messages or base their worth on external validation.
Through a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship, I guide clients in exploring the underlying beliefs and experiences that contribute to their struggles with self-worth. Using evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and positive psychology, I help clients challenge negative self-perceptions, develop self-compassion, and cultivate a deeper sense of self-acceptance and appreciation. Together, we work towards building resilience and confidence, empowering clients to embrace their unique strengths and live more fulfilling lives.
Menstrual Cycle, Hormone Imbalances, and Mental Health
Research exploring the relationship between the menstrual cycle and mental health has gained significant attention in recent years. The menstrual cycle is influenced by fluctuating hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, which can impact mood, cognition, and behavior throughout the menstrual cycle. Some individuals experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), both characterized by mood wings, irritability, anxiety, and depression in the days leading up to menstruation. More people are integrating "cycle syncing": the practice of adjusting your diet and exercise to support the body during each phase. In therapy, we can tailor create a calendar with habits that work for you.
I specialize in supporting clients who experience mental health challenges related to their menstrual cycle and subsequent hormonal imbalances. Through a holistic approach, I collaborate with clients to understand the intricate connections between their physical health and emotional well-being. By exploring the impact of hormonal fluctuations on mood, cognition, and behavior, I help clients develop coping strategies and self-care practices tailored to their individual needs.