In my approach to therapy, I strive to be an integrationist, meaning that I believe almost all schools of psychotherapy offer value that can greatly help people who are suffering psychologically. I strive to continue to my learning constantly so that I can best match my approach to the specific client I am working with. 

I find that for many young adults, a combination of cognitively based approaches that start in the head, and emotionally based approaches that start in the body, is called for (though certainly some people are inclined toward more of one than the other). 

With all the complex tasks and decisions that young people have to negotiate, including school and career choices, approaches that are target thoughts and behaviors first, such as those found in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral activation can be extremely beneficial in helping young people identify and organize thoughts and feelings, articulate their values, set goals, and make actions plans.

And I also find that, for deeper levels of healing and for getting at underlying causes behind mental distress, mental blocks, and deeply entrenched patterns of thought/feeling/behaviors, approaches that focus on and target the body, human relationships, emotions are crucial. For many deeply entrenched wounds and unhelpful beliefs, being able to identify and know their causes cognitively will not be enough. Body, emotion, and relationship focused approaches allow us to target the places where the wounds and traumas are stored and actively engage in healing processes. I use methods found in family therapy, approaches based in trauma and attachment theory, expressive therapies, and body based mindfulness techniques, to help clients access and rework old and harmful emotional, relational, and somatic patterns.

Also key to my approach is having a continuous and evolving social justice lens. I believe that often times a key source of mental distress, especially for young people, has to do with being told explicitly or implicitly that who they are or the way they are is not okay. Messages from media, and from other people about how they are supposed to be can have profound effects on young people, especially those with non-dominant identities, and can often lead to feelings of being wrong or worthless.

My work centers around helping young people undo these toxic messages and claim pride in who they are, no matter their gender identity, sexuality, ability level, body size, race, religion, etc. I believe that every individual has incredible strengths and their own form of brilliance within them and I strive to help young people use self compassion, assertiveness, and many more tools to create a safer microcosms for themselves in which they can grow and thrive.