“Our feelings are our most divine path to knowledge”
- Audre Lorde
About me
I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the APA-accredited Professional Psychology Program at The George Washington University. Prior to that, I studied Ethnomusicology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. I value continued education, and have obtained specialized training in couples therapy, perinatal and maternal mental health, and working with grief & loss. I am licensed to practice in Virginia and PsyPact approved states.
I am trained in psychodynamic therapy, meaning I believe our early childhood experiences hold important information about how we view ourselves and the world. By understanding how certain patterns have been reinforced throughout your life, we can begin to dismantle narratives and behaviors that once felt safe, but may be keeping you stuck. I use attachment based and emotionally focused techniques to explore what your feelings may be communicating about your needs, and integrate tangible strategies to make lasting change.
I am also interested in how a lack of societal and structural support exacerbates mental health challenges, particularly for new parents and individuals navigating grief. I am passionate about partnering with local organizations to build community around mental health education and resources. If you are interested in a partnership, please reach out by e-mail.
Clinical Services
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When we lose a loved one, end a relationship, transition into or out of a role or identity, or experience a disconnect between expectation and reality, we are often met with the pain and helplessness of grief. Grief is neither an illness, nor a problem to solve, but can increase symptoms of depression or anxiety as we seek ways to lessen or avoid intolerable feelings that threaten to overwhelm us. You do not have to face these feelings alone. In therapy, I will provide a compassionate container for emotions that feel intolerable, as we explore the grief together.
My practice focuses on acute and chronic grief, anticipatory grief, perinatal grief and loss, and grief complicated by trauma.
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The decision to become a parent can be fraught with complicated feelings. Our own upbringings, the disconnect between our expectations and the realities of parenthood, and unforeseen loss and complications can challenge the reproductive narrative that each of us has constructed. In therapy, we will explore the profound shifts in identity and relationships as you navigate TTC, pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
My practice focuses on grief and loss, preparation for and adjustment to parenthood, postpartum mood disorders, and supporting couples through the parenthood transition.
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Our sense of self and safety is developed in relationships with others. We develop patterns to protect against feelings of rejection, criticism, and abandonment, and prioritize habits that keep us feeling safe and connected. We tend to repeat these patterns in later relationships, even when they no longer serve us, or cause harm.
In therapy, we will explore how our efforts to stay safe and avoid conflict may be causing blocks in communication and “circular” conflicts. Through a combination of emotionally focused techniques and tangible skills, we will work to dismantle old narratives and unhelpful patterns, to make space for a deeper connection.
My practice focuses on the transition to parenthood, intercultural relationship dynamics, and family of origin issues.