My approach: 

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I take a systemic approach in my work with clients. Even when working with individuals, I believe it is important to explore the broader systems impacting the individual, including family, friends, religion, community and culture. I know each client is unique and different therapy approaches are beneficial to different clients. I often incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in addition to family systems work. 

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I have a passion for helping people cope with societal pressures and expectations that often lead to stress, anxiety, depression and negative ways of coping. Our culture sends incredibly disordered messages about body size and food and unhelpful pressures about pregnancy and postpartum experiences. It is difficult not to be influenced by these messages. My belief is that balance, moderation, and flexibility are essential to finding peace and freedom from the unrealistic expectations that impact so many people.

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For clients receiving therapy for perinatal mental health, I help process thoughts and feelings related to changes in their body, identity and relationships. I also help identify and create support systems and prepare for birth and postpartum challenges. If needed, I refer to psychiatrists or ARNPs who specialize in perinatal mental health medication management. I also have experience supporting women who have experienced pregnancy loss and infertility.

For eating disorder therapy, collaborating with dietitians, doctors and psychiatrists is very important to ensure the best care for clients. My experience as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team in residential eating disorder treatment, provided me with incredible experience communicating with other providers about our mutual clients. When working with people who struggle with disordered eating and body image issues, I focus on Intuitive Eating and take a Health At Every Size® approach. Helping clients find value, passion and peace without obsessing about food, weight and exercise is my goal. Though it can be a long and challenging journey, my personal and professional experiences have shown me that it is possible and worth it!