Adolescent, Adult, Couples, and Addiction Psychologist
As a Clinical Psychologist, I don’t subscribe to the belief that people are “broken” or need to be “fixed.” I see people as stuck in a certain way of thinking and behaving. Many times, the choices people make are in service of comfort, or to avoid pain. Ironically, this avoidance pattern (drinking, drugging, isolating, engaging in self injury, worrying about things that aren’t likely to happen, etc.) ends up creating more pain. People are most likely to revert to old avoidance patterns-or create new ones-during times of transition, adjustment, and uncertainty.
If your world has been shrinking, I can help. My job isn’t to make clients’ pain go away; it is to help you learn to embrace and accept the inevitable pain in living (without creating more symptoms) to build a more full and meaningful life. I want to help you discover the narrative you’ve developed about who you are and what the world is and make changes to the story you live by—changes that will help you feel better. You do have the strength to get unstuck. You are worthy of finding your way through the process of getting unstuck. I will help you cultivate a road map that guides you towards your values, while also problem-solving barriers and challenges to help equip you for the journey. Each step is meaningful progress if that step leads to learning, openness to new experiences, and connection to people around you.
Perinatal & Post-Partum Mental Health Trained
Like all providers at AMANI Clinical Services, I am skilled and focused on the systems my patients come from and love working with relationship issues, families, and parenting difficulties. I have a particular passion for working with couples and utilize the Gottman Method interventions and Acceptance Commitment Therapy for Couples. I am skilled and very much enjoy treating those struggling with anxiety, addiction, trauma, depression, and anger. I am trained through Post-Partum Support International (PSI) to work with perinatal and post-partum mental health concerns and adjustments and love supporting patients through their family formation journey.
I am passionate about helping people, as individuals or as couples, break free from the traps they create for themselves. I live for overcoming “weak, fragile, broken, victim” narratives. I use a number of theoretical approaches and tailor my interventions to your needs. However, I am very influenced by-and use-Acceptance and Commitment Therapy extensively, as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy interventions and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I love helping people rediscover their valued selves and lives. I am always mindful that one’s experiences are true and valid. And even unhealthy coping has gotten clients through painful moments. My passion is honoring strength and resilience while improving life direction and action.
At AMANI Clinical Services, we believe in an active (evidence-based) treatment approach tailored to your unique needs. We help you find solutions and see results that make meaningful difference in your life. Whether you need us to “work ourselves out of a job” or serve as your primary mental health provider (just like you see a primary care physician for your medical needs throughout the lifespan, we want you to get better and feel better-we are results oriented. We will work collaboratively to help you recognize the ways your life experiences have shaped your attitudes, beliefs, and choices. You’ll understand how your symptoms developed and how you can take control of them, and leave session with a plan to try some new ways of thinking and acting.