Welcome to Beneath the Lilacs. Why lilacs? Lilacs symbolize renewal, tranquility, life, and spirituality. I have been working as a therapist for over 15 years and these concepts are woven throughout my work with clients.
Therapy, in general, is about healing and renewal. I am here to walk with you to discover what may be beneath the lilacs - for you. Together we will identify the tools for you to use in order for you to feel renewed, secure, and well.
My background
My passion for mental health and therapeutic treatment was born from my experience working in the world of high finance. As witness to a complex environment that balanced risk with safety on a regular basis, I found there to be a universal desire amongst individuals for both connection and relief from the day-to-day muddy waters. I decided to change careers when the human behavior of my work environment became more interesting to me than the investments. After receiving a Masters Degree, I worked with various populations in both individual and group settings. Trauma and addiction treatment were at the core of my early work as a therapist.
Fifteen years ago, and after starting a family, I shifted into developing my private practice with a focus on anxiety disorders. Gradually and over time, my practice has organically expanded to include other specialties, such as ADHD, Grief and Loss, Separation and Divorce, and Boundaries/Relationships. I have had close encounters with all of these things, strengthening my ability to connect with my clients’ experience.
What to expect
Many people are hesitant to start therapy. You may or may not have an idea as to what you want exactly from therapy. That's ok - the point is that you have started to think about it and that may be enough to begin.
Similar to a researcher or analyst, you will be asked to gather information and examine data points from your life. I am here to help you to organize the information, connect the dots and encourage you to invest in yourself. The work within therapy creates a foundation and freedom that aims to reduce the friction caused by thoughts and experience; thereby enabling us to be our most authentic selves.
Therapy is an opportunity to gain more insight into why you feel the way you feel, as well as help you to cope and move through any uncomfortable feelings. At the end of each session, it is my goal to help you get closer to reaching your unique and individualized goals.
I have a multi-modal approach to therapy - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, and Person-centered. I supplement this work with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).