My Approach to Helping
Are you looking for something different in your therapy experience? You know talking helps and have self-awareness. Yet, you’ve been stuck, unsure of your next step. You want to let go of worry and take up more space in your relationships. It feels like a big part of you is stuck and wants to express itself. You’ve been doing the 'supposed' right thing, struggle with the confidence to say no, and feel angry a lot. You think, “I'm too much to handle, I can't say no, ugh, they'll get upset". You want peace and confidence. You want to express your real self and transform your relationship with yourself and others.
I'm glad you're here.
I specialize in helping women take up more space in their relationships and feel like they can be authentic in every part of their lives. I bring a unique blend of mind-body-spirit techniques with expressive arts. My approach to therapy is multifaceted, and we incorporate expressive arts to help you go deeper than traditional talk therapy.
You're more resilient than you think. You don't have to do this alone! I believe healing is based on compassion, genuineness, and empathy, and that's what you'll find working with me. I'll use my experience to help you discover life beyond the confines of your anxiety and fear. Reach out to me today and schedule a free consult. I can't wait to hear from you!
My Approach :
I bring a warm, compassionate, curious, real-life, practical approach to therapy. Clients describe me as warm, empathic, open, a great listener, and challenging. I wholeheartedly commit to showing up authentically. I am honest and genuine, admit my mistakes, and will validate the impact I have on you. I am comfortable with the uncomfortable parts and will discuss any topic with you, whether it be death, money, sex, deep desires, and longings. I do not shy away from being uncomfortable, especially if that means you can grow.
As a therapist, I walk my talk.
I invest in my personal and professional growth. I don’t think it is fair to ask you to trust and engage in your growth work if I don’t do the same. I know firsthand how hard therapy can be and how amazingly rewarding it is simultaneous.
I can't wait to hear from you!
More Info About My Practice
I also offer clinical supervision to LMFT interns looking to complete their hours for licensure.
I am currently working on creating a high-achieving women's therapy group.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
Anxiety is hard. Anxiety shuts you down and stops you from living the life you deeply desire. You feel like you are on a hamster wheel that you cannot seem to jump off of. You are afraid people will see through our tough exterior and the insecure parts. Anxiety stops you from taking saying what you need, or doing that one thing you are scared of. You are tired of feeling so afraid. In therapy, together, we help discover what keeps fueling your anxiety, and ways to cope, and ultimately help you embrace your joy and the real you. You do not have to shoulder all these feelings and changes alone. Together we can guide you to feeling confident in your changes and live the whole life you know is in your heart. You can live an authentic life that matches your values. Yes, you can still use your superb boss skills, enjoy your work, and live a life full of meaning and value. You have permission to have that and much more! Anxiety and acting strong are eating you alive on the inside. You do not have to shoulder these feelings alone! I can help!
COUPLES THERAPY:
You are tired of not feeling understood and feel confused about your relationship. You want to run but feel tethered to your partner and know there is still a spark. You want to be seen, heard, and feel that connection again. No one gets a manual on having a healthy relationship with excellent boundaries. A lot of what brings us stuck in our relationship is a lack of skills and safety and calmly navigating difficult conversations. Let's face it; relationships are hard in themselves; then throw kids, financial stress, personal development, and our baggage in the mix, and it can become a shit show. You are not alone! Many of my clients struggle with the daily stress that tears them away from their relationships. I can help you and your partner clear your priorities, practice assertive communication skills, establish healthy boundaries, and, most of all, find joy, love, and reconnection. I am compassionate, honoring that you have different values and belief systems and validate your life experiences.
I offer expressive arts techniques to help with communication between you two and to help you learn how to play and have fun with your partner. I also use Imago Therapy and the Gottman Method to help you understand your relationship dynamics and support you through this journey. I will walk beside you on your journey, and you will lead at the right pace. I commend you for taking the first step toward a healthier and more fulfilling relationship.
I am looking forward to walking alongside you on this journey.
What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist
I wholeheartedly believe in the goodness of people. The human heart and soul are resilient and know how to heal with the right support, compassion, and being seen and heard. Growing up in South Africa I saw the beauty and power of when people come together, talk about difficult things, and heal together.
I believe that emotional healing, spiritual transformation, respect, self-care, and unconditional support can and (will) change our world. Also, I am good at what I do, plus I LOVE it! I get motivated when my clients can see their freedom, strength, and power to relate to themselves, their loved ones, and the world in a healthy way. It is inspiring to see my clients come out of this dark depressionanxiety cycle and live a life that feels meaningful to them.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
I wholeheartedly believe in walking my talk. I believe in showing up authentically and real with you. You deserve to sit across from someone real who gets it. I spent many years in my own therapy examining my trauma patterns, needswounds as a child, and the negative beliefs that kept me stuck and feeling small for a long time. I learned that through my vulnerability, I am strong and can break inter-generational traumas, and be the kind, gentle, and loving soul I know I am. Also, I allow myself to be uncomfortable a lot and this helps me to address whatever is happening with you head-on. I'm okay with being uncomfortable with you if that means you can grow and heal.
By facing my shame of being from South Africa, and letting go of the cultural messages of what it means to be white and African, I deeply understand why you'd rather not do therapy. It's painful and through my work, I'm able to understand the fears of starting therapy and doing the work.
I am genuinely grateful for all the hard experiences in my life. And even more grateful to walk alongside you as you connect with your real self.
What I Say to People Concerned about the Therapy Process
Hey, I get it, it's tough reaching out for help and admitting you need some support. You've been pushing through for a long time and you've got things done, but you know life can be better and that something is missing. You've done great so far, and you don't have to go it alone anymore.
I am honest, direct, and will gently, compassionately, and kindly help you see how you stand in your own way. I am a therapist that jumps in there with you and not just nods my head and says, "how does that make you feel?".
