Ethos

01 — Relational intimacy is healing

In these times of disconnection, isolation, and what psychotherapist Esther Perel refers to as "artificial intimacy," I view therapy as a radical act of relational intimacy. The therapeutic relationship between therapist and client is often one of the most honest and genuine relationships one can experience. Opening up and having one's suffering witnessed and understood by a non-judgmental presence can be profoundly life-affirming. Through a strong therapeutic rapport, I assist my clients in healing relationally rooted wounds and gaining valuable insights into their interpersonal patterns and habits outside the therapy room.

02 — Embracing discomfort and ambivalence

Within the context of a safe and caring therapeutic relationship, clients can confront discomfort and process pain that they may have actively avoided throughout their lives. Therapy offers a unique opportunity not only to discover oneself but also to meet one's own suffering. At times, therapy can be deeply uncomfortable, while at other times, it can be highly enjoyable. Throughout the therapeutic process, clients learn tools and skills to self-soothe, self-regulate, and create space for life's many paradoxes.

03 — Healing is an inside job

I collaborate with clients to cultivate self-awareness so they can take greater responsibility for their lives and become more attuned to their inner worlds. Together, we may explore dreams and engage in creative practices to access unconscious parts of the psyche. I also listen for what remains unsaid in sessions and gently bring it to conscious awareness, allowing for actionable insights. By helping clients cultivate a sense of their own capabilities and personal power, they become agents in their own healing rather than victims.

04 — Decolonizing therapy one psyche at a time

I advocate for a mental health system that prioritizes the well-being of individuals over the agendas of insurance companies. While therapy can effectively address symptoms like anxiety, depression, and interpersonal conflicts, it should not solely focus on symptom reduction. I recognize and validate the experiences of prejudice and discrimination faced by my clients due to heterosexism, racism, or culturally based psychological norms. Instead of pathologizing socially marginalized clients, my approach aims to normalize trauma reactions as defense mechanisms or survival strategies developed in response to systemic oppression. By doing so, I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where clients can explore their experiences, challenges, and strengths.