Mission:

My goal is to provide support for individuals facing the challenges of chronic illness, trauma, care giving and psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression. My therapeutic approach is that of collaboration, working alongside, and filled with compassion and empathy. As someone living with a chronic illness and (dis)Ability, I fundamentally understand some of the unique challenges that affect others, including working with care givers and the acknowledgement and support they need and deserve as well.

Chronic Illness and (dis)Ability

Living with a chronic illness, chronic pain, or (dis)Ability is incredibly challenging. Yes, it takes a toll physically, and it also creates an emotional and metal toll that is hard to understand if you've never been through it. It can even be more challenging when the chronic illness or (dis)Ability is invisible and you find yourself either constantly justifying or ignoring your own needs. The frustrations of learning how to work through the healthcare system, employment, school, and even with healthcare providers is enough to cause stress and needed support. It can sometimes feel like a full time job in itself.

The process of dealing with uncertainty, grief, and acceptance is an ongoing process for those with chronic illness, pain, or (dis)Ability. Having a mental health professional who understands the multifaceted and multilayered challenges you face is imperative in fully seeing you. Yes, there are many challenges you face, and yet there is an incredible beauty in you–your strength, your resilience, your hope. You are not your condition; you are so much more.

Trauma and Dissociation

The wounds of trauma are pervasive and leave their invisible marks inside us. In order to survive our minds and bodies do what they need to do to protect us from further harm. This can look like detaching from yourself and reality completely, dissociation, or building walls and not allowing others in leading to interpersonal relationship challenges, or wearing masks and neglecting who you are till you no longer know your authentic self and everything in between.

When working with a mental health professional it is important that they use a trauma-informed approach. For more information on trauma-informed care the American Psychological Association has several articles on it's importance here. Curiosity, trust, grounding, emotional regulation and safety are all paramount for trauma work.

Caregiver Support

When a loved one has a chronic illness or is aging and needs more care there is a tremendous amount of love that you have when you take care of them. So much of your day is centered around supporting your loved one that you and your needs are so often forgotten. You deserve to be seen, have your feelings heard, and your needs met. Just like having a chronic illness, it's difficult for friends and other loved ones to understand what you are going through, and the feeling of duty as well as love you have for your family.

You face very unique challenges including your role in your loved one's life shifting which can bring along grief, anger, sadness, and loss. Honoring these feelings and having someone to talk to can be the self-care you desperately need.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety can come on like a tornado. It can cause you to feel both paralyzed and moving frantically at the same time. Intrusive thoughts invade your mind causing you to worry all the time. Rumination then follows where your thoughts don't let up and they become all you can think about.

Depression can feel like the weight of the world, your body becomes heavy and the simplest thing becomes the hardest thing to do. Depression's paralysis can also steal the joy you once had for things, making the world and colors turn grey. Just taking care of yourself can feel like a job on top of your responsibilities.

Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or both, you don't have to do it alone. Seeking support can help you work through it whether it's learning new tools, delving into your inner child, or the healing power of the therapeutic relationship.