Psychotherapy

 

Why therapy?

The very same interpersonal, emotional, and thinking patterns that cause our distress were often initially formed as brilliant and necessary adaptations to the conditions of our unjust world. While those patterns may have been essential for our survival, they may also have diminished our capacities to attune to ourselves accurately, form nourishing relationships, and experience pleasure, curiosity, and ease. I believe healing is made possible by investing in a process of understanding our patterns and their origins, reengaging with the full range of human emotions, coming back into relationship with all parts of ourselves, and strengthening our capacities for regulation and thoughtful action. This process is often hard and rarely linear, but it is only enhanced by exploring the impulses and feelings that seem to be getting in the way. Psychotherapy and the unique opportunities it provides for generative connection, self-exploration, and insight can be an invaluable support on this journey toward increased authenticity, self-acceptance, and contentment with life.

 

Areas of specialization

I work with individuals ages 15 and up. I have a wealth of experience working with people of color, queer, trans and gender nonconforming people, young adults, artists, college students, and people who are first- and second-generation to the United States.

My clinical interests include racial, relational, developmental, and religious trauma, chronic shame, insecure attachment, vulnerable self-image, anger, anxiety, and depression.

 

My approach

Please note: I am currently offering therapy exclusively via telehealth.

I am passionate about merging the many gifts that relational and experiential approaches offer with an unwavering attention to the impacts of systemic oppression. In practice, we’ll talk openly about and learn from the unique dynamics of our therapeutic relationship as they unfold in real time; notice and stay with the emotions that arise during session; consider the impacts of experiencing and navigating oppression on your thinking, relational, and survival patterns; explore the impact past experiences (particularly with early attachment figures) have on your present life; notice, name, and work to shift the patterns that impede your ability to be and enjoy yourself.

Additionally, I believe insight-oriented work is enhanced by attention to and knowledge about the body - particularly the nervous system and the brain. I am invested in helping my clients better understand the relationship between their sensations, their emotions, and their needs. I often incorporate somatic (body-based) practices into therapy sessions to support my clients in strengthening their capacities for regulation and self-awareness.

I enjoy working with the meaning-making tools that are significant to my clients and I welcome open conversation about political ideology, religion, and spirituality. I strive to engage in this work with playfulness, candor, and a warm, grounded presence. You can learn more about me here.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Finances

I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), which combines ketamine dosing with psychotherapy and can serve as a powerful enhancement to the healing process. KAP offers new experiences of consciousness and self that often facilitate an ability to work with stuck or previously avoided areas of the treatment with more confidence, openness, and flexibility. 

I both work with clients who are solely interested in a shorter-term (typically three to six months) therapy experience using KAP, and also incorporate KAP into long-term therapy work with clients who are interested.

I’m currently offering KAP in collaboration with an organization called Journey Clinical which handles the medical aspects of KAP treatment including: determining eligibility, developing a custom treatment plan, prescribing the medicine, and monitoring outcomes.

My fee for a 50-minute individual psychotherapy session is $160. I also offer 75-minute sessions for $225 for clients who are interested in periods of more intensive work. Payment is due the day of service via debit, credit, FSA/HSA card, or bank transfer.

I am not in-network with any insurance companies. For those with out-of-network benefits, I am happy to provide the information needed (monthly “superbills”) to be reimbursed for a percentage of my fee by your insurance company.

A portion of my practice is reserved for providing free and very low fee (< $50) therapy to people of color who would otherwise not be able to access care. All sliding scale spots for long-term psychotherapy are currently full. I invite those with access to wealth to consider committing to a “solidarity fee,” a self-determined fee above my standard fee, making it possible to offer more sliding-scale spots to those with fewer resources.