Therapy is political.

Our political and social climate has a direct impact on all of us. One of the most important parts of therapy, and one of the biggest contributors to its success for the client, is the quality of the relationship between therapist and client (called the therapeutic alliance). In order for our therapy to be most helpful for you, it’s extremely important that we build a transparent, trusting, and safe therapeutic alliance. For that reason, I believe it is important to share some of my beliefs and values, including that I am queer and trans-allied, BIPOC allied, and generally hold progressive political views. I also identify as nonreligious and operate from a secular place when it comes to therapy + mental health.

My identities: I am a white, straight, cisgender woman. I am able-bodied and neurodivergent. I am married and the parent of one toddler. I belong to many privileged groups, and it is my responsibility to acknowledge that and keep that in mind in the therapeutic work that I do. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have received extensive education and training around social justice issues, and participate in continuing education (both formally and in my own research) around issues of race, class, gender, sexuality, and general cultural competence/humility.

I believe strongly in learning from my clients, and my clients being the experts of their own experiences. No group is a monolith, and I don’t like to assume the experiences of any client just because they belong to a specific group. I thoughtfully ask questions of my clients if there is something that I don’t have full understanding of. And while I do not provide therapy through any religious lens or framework myself, I welcome clients to share their religious and spiritual beliefs in sessions so that we can incorporate them into your therapy in a way that works for you!