Clinical Theories that guide my practice:
My theoretical orientation comes from a combination of Narrative Therapy and Narrative Exposure Therapy, Psychodynamic and Attachment Theory, Mindfulness Based CBT, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Emotion Focused Therapy. My theories of practice are framed within an understanding and emphasis of Critical Race Theory, Queer and Trans Theory, Disability Justice, Liberation and community centered practice. Books like Decolonizing Therapy, My GrandMother’s Hands and Polysecure are in my reference library.
What the integration of these theories means is: I see each person as the expert in their own lives and stories; I see my role akin to an editor supporting review of your story and ways to make shifts in chapters to come, while you hold the autonomy; that the somatic and emotional experience of the body and thoughts maybe different and are both valuable; and that people in our lives have been influential and support from others is foundational to change.
I welcome you to bring any previous skills that have been helpful for you for us to integrate into our work together.
About me…
I grew up in Portland, OR and lived in the Bay Area (San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco) from 2013 thru 2024. I received a Masters of Social Welfare from UC Berkeley in 2017 and am a registered Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and Oregon. I worked in community mental health from 2017 thru 2024 at UCSF Alliance Health Project in San Francisco, seeing folx who are a part of the 2SLGBTQIAP+, HIV+, Poly, Kinky and Substance Using communities. I left the non-profit realm in 2024 to start a private practice!
I’m a dog lover and have two tiny chihuahuas named Olive and Bobby who may make an appearance on screen from time to time. I’m currently living in Mexico and in my free time I enjoy spending time with community, going to arcades, playing tabletop RPG and cozy games, and being out in nature.
