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“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
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I provide therapy to individuals, families, and relationships of various configurations. Some of my focus areas include the following:
Transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive people: Since 2007, one of my main areas of focus has been working with transgender, gender queer, and non-binary people, their partners, and their families. Over the years, I have enjoyed helping people through all aspects of identity development, social and medical transition, and navigating life as a trans and/or gender non-conforming person.
My current focus with trans+ clients, as a therapist with lived experience in this identity, is on the healing that occurs outside of and beyond transition. The transition process and living as a trans person in a society that is not always loving and welcoming to trans people can take a toll on our mental and spiritual health as well as our bodies.
LGBTQIA+: In addition to working with trans and gender non-conforming people, I also enjoy working with other members of the LGBTQIA+ community. No matter where you are in your process of identity development or living your life, I understand the unique concerns of LGBTQIA+ people.
Chronic Pain: Chronic pain is often misunderstood as a purely physical issue, yet most chronic pain actually comes from our brain and not from a structural issue. The good news is that you actually have the ability to heal your pain through a combination of emotional techniques, rewiring your neural pathways, and learning to soothe your nervous system. My approach to working with chronic pain is based on the work of Dr. John Sarno and Nicole Sachs. If you are interested in understanding the mind/body connection to your own pain and working to free yourself of that pain, I would be excited to work with you.
Education and experience:
In 2002, I graduated from Earlham College with a degree in sociology and anthropology. I soon moved back to my hometown of Madison, WI where I began working as a special education assistant and then as a service coordinator to adults with developmental disabilities. Through these jobs I recognized my true passion: to become a therapist to help people find their own strengths, passions and full selves. In 2007, I graduated from Edgewood College with a degree in marriage and family therapy.
After graduation, I spent four years doing in-home family therapy in rural parts of Wisconsin. I ran a successful private practice in Madison, WI from 2011-2015. During the summer of 2015, I relocated to the Boulder area where I continue to work in private practice.
In 2010 I attended an extensive 5 day/45 hour training in DBT from the DBT Center of Michigan. While I no longer run DBT groups, I incorporate DBT skills into my practice for clients learning to regulate challenging emotions.
I have also received my certificate of completion for EMDR levels 1 and 2 training and use EMDR on a regular basis to help clients work through trauma.
In 2019, I completed the level 1 training of Diane Poole-Heller’s Dynamic Attachment Re-patterning experience (DARe). Our early attachment patterns affect the ways we relate to and interact with the people around us. By healing our attachment wounds, we can have more fulfilling and happier relationships. I enjoy bringing attachment work into the therapeutic process.