About Me

Background and Philosophy

EDUCATION & TRAINING
Since 2008, I have dedicated my career to clinical practice and training.
I consider myself a life-long learner and am always looking for ways to
improve the quality of my care.
My bachelor's degree in anthropology has highlighted cultural relativity
and has taught me a sense of humility regarding the inevitable limits of
our own subjectivity - particularly how cultural norms can be used as value
judgments against other cultures. My Master's Degree in Community Mental
Health Counseling has emphasized seeing, valuing, and working with the whole
person; recognizing, appreciating, and utilizing one's strengths and natural drive
towards growth and wellness. My PhD in Clinical Psychology has taught
me a depth and range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
I have worked in a range of clinical settings, which has surely contributed to my generalist interests and practice. I have trained in academic medical centers, community mental health clinics, inpatient hospitals, mobile crisis units and other crisis related programs.
MY STYLE AND PHILOSOPHY AS A THERAPIST
At heart, I am an integrative psychologist. What does this mean? Put simply, I do not believe in a "one-size fits all" approach. I find therapy to be most effective when I am able to draw thoughtfully and flexibly from a range of evidence-based practices, and to creatively adapt and tailor these in ways that allow me to respond to each person's unique and complex life. Because clinical psychology is primarily rooted in a White, Western, male, financially privileged framework (although we're trying to work on this), I continually strive to be conscious of this in myself and my work. Part of my goal in tailoring and adapting approaches is to really listen to the person in front of me, believe and trust them, and work within their lived experiences and framework(s), even if it means challenging or abandoning what I think I know. I greatly value and encourage open dialogue and feedback throughout our work together so that it feels right to you.