My Philosophy

I bring my warm and non-judgmental style along with a relationship-centered approach to my work.  Often, children come to therapy because of behaviors that are difficult, confusing, or distressing. I believe that behaviors have meaning and generally stem from unmet needs, unexpressed emotions, or undeveloped skills. Looking at behaviors through this lens helps us approach children with kind and supportive attention. My primary modality for working with children is play therapy. Through play and other modes of creative expression, children have a safe, healthy and developmentally appropriate avenue for communicating their experiences, needs, and emotions. Please see this page from the Association for Play Therapy for more information.  I find that keeping closely connected with parents or caregivers during the course of therapy leads to the most meaningful and lasting outcomes.  In addition to the experience and training described above, my clinical approach is integrative and includes my background in existential/humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal neurobiology, and mindfulness traditions.

I come to my work with an awareness of the roles that culture, privilege, and systemic oppression play in each of our unique experiences of the world and ourselves.  I cherish differences and bring an openness and curiosity about each client and family’s background to the relationship. I welcome clients and families of all backgrounds and family structures.