Before I met my first therapist, I wondered if this dude would be able to know what it was like to be me. Would he understand, much less be useful?
I strive to create the opposite experience from what I experienced from my first therapist: stuffy, pretentious, and hypocritical advice from someone that didn’t understand.
I’m sure you are aware of the gap between where you are and where/what you want to be. I’m all too familiar with how painful this gap can be. You have already tried a bunch of things to help the pain you are experiencing; whether it is mental, emotional, mood (i.e. depression/anxiety), relationship strain/isolation, or work-related stress, etc. I may not be the first therapist you have seen about this or other concerns. I know you need a different experience than what you have had.
My goal is to first understand without judgment. Therapeutic change happens under similar conditions that I enjoy eating a burrito: a judge free zone where it’s safe to be messy. You can expect my style to reflect core values of empathy and authenticity wrapped in a soft shell of playful fun and humor.
Once you know that I “get it,” then we can move onto getting you the skills, awareness, and/or strength-based strategies that you came to therapy for. My approach is both solution-focused and action-oriented. When we experience a positive change in therapy, we can better act out that change in our lives.
When I’m out of the office, I prefer to be outside. Whitewater kayaking, relationships with loved ones, and adventures with Josie (black lab mix pictured below) are all things that fill my metaphorical cup. Paradoxical labels I have worn include: uninked hipster, emotionally sensitive D1 athlete, analytically minded experiential therapist.
