SERVICES
I am available to work clients in Colorado (in-office, community, teletherapy) and New York (teletherapy).
Children
“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” - Dr. Suess
It is commonly said that play is the language of children, through which they may communicate to develop their sense of self and life skills as they move bravely towards the future. In working with children, I incorporate the use of play, puppetry, masks, drama and the creative arts to safely and effectively explore their personal, and sometimes hard to reach, issues.
When working with children, it is a priority to include parents, caregivers and family members (when it is appropriate to do so) to ensure feelings of confidence and safety and long-lasting positive results. To ensure continuity of care and communication, I am able to collaborate with teachers, doctors and other individuals important to the child.
Adolescents
“I want answers now, I’m not interested in what I’ll understand 10 years from now.”- Rebel Without a Cause
Adolescence is commonly recognized as a turbulent time filled with a roller coaster of emotions and behaviors that can be hard for others to understand. I provide teenagers a separate, confidential space to work through their ideas, feelings and experiences. By working with someone they are comfortable with, their sense of self and feelings of success are known to improve. The adolescent stage of life is often filled with intensity, angst, complexities and nuances and t is my priority to provide teens with a safe and brave space that is free of judgment. I allow for open expression of challenging feelings, such as stress, confusion, ambivalence and identity. I will encourage them to practice embodying different roles and characteristics so that they may find where they feel most grounded and authentic.
Adults
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today, I am wise so I am changing myself.” - Rumi
My approach to working with adults is to develop a space that is collaborative and interactive, by utilizing warmth, compassion, humor and mindfulness. The creative process varies with each client and their own comfort level. Our work may focus on working through underlying emotional issues, processing past trauma, examining relationships, assessing and prioritizing needs, exploring life satisfaction and working towards personal goals and emotional stability. In this shared therapeutic space, I work to help adults clarify and evaluate the different roles they play in life and the impact those roles have on their lives and relationships, so they may tap into their inherent bravery, confidence and authentic sense of self.
Families
“The best thing to hold onto in life, is each other.” - Audrey Hepburn
It is often useful to engage the full family unit (or select members) in an effort to further support the client, of any age. Instances occur when I will work with families as a whole, when the group itself is the “identified client.” We will create structure and boundaries to allow for a safe space. We will use active and engaging techniques, to support the family in becoming more comfortable and accustomed to working together with open and respectful communication.
Home & Community
“Home is where your story begins.” - Annie Danielson
Sometimes a client will feel more comfortable for their therapy to take place at home or specific locations in their community, which can lead to more effective treatment. This may also take place in times of crisis. When appropriate, I am able to make these accommodations.
Clinical Supervision
“Let us guide our students over the road of discipline from materials, through function, to creative work.” - Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe
I am committed to being a guide and support to other clinicians, novice or seasoned. In this space we can discuss the need for self-care and understanding vicarious trauma, process transference & countertransference, brainstorm drama therapeutic or other creative interventions, deliberate about ethics and working within systems.
If you are a provisional clinician in Colorado who is in need of supervised hours for licensure, we will take extra time to accomplish any administrative requirements to prepare and maintain your journey towards licensure.
SPECIALTIES
ADHD
Anxiety
Behavior problems at home and school
Coping with bullying issues
Low self-esteem
Physical and sexual abuse
Poor impulse control
Coping with foster care
Depression and suicidal thoughts
Family tensions and power struggles
Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder, etc.)
Poor academic performance
Domestic violence
Parenting stress and support
Pregnancy & infertility struggles
Postpartum challenges
New Motherhood
Social anxieties
Trauma
INTERVENTIONS
Drama Therapy
Creative Arts Therapy (Art, Music, Movement & Poetry)
Somatic Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Play Therapy
Emotion-focused Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Structural Family Therapy
Group Therapy
Exposure Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Brief Solution Focused Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Behavior Modification Methods
Parent Skills Training/Coaching