About Me
I offer a unique therapeutic approach shaped by over twenty-five years of meditation and yoga practice. My personal journey of healing and self-discovery inspired me to become a social worker, and mindfulness, along with my own transformative therapy experiences, have played pivotal roles in my life.
My path to becoming a therapist has been diverse; encompassing roles as an educator, vegetable grower, and co-founder of Urban Roots—a youth development farming organization in East Austin.
Throughout this journey, a common thread has been my deep desire to serve others. I have volunteered with organizations like The New Philanthropists, Hospice Austin, Capital Area Counseling, and Caritas of Austin, and currently, I offer low-cost counseling to individuals in Austin's music industry as a SIMS therapy provider.
A fundamental aspect of my practice is a commitment to social justice. As a proud social worker, I continually study and engage in practices to better understand myself and dismantle white supremacy culture. Having witnessed Austin's evolution since 2000, I am deeply committed to fostering equity and justice in this city.
Outside of my work, you might spot me biking around town with my young son in his bike trailer, walking my goofy dog, or unwinding at a local spring. I find joy in the simplicity of watching birds visit my bird bath, playing a good game of ping pong, and singing karaoke with friends.
My Approach
Mindfulness is at the heart of my practice. By cultivating present-moment awareness and cultivating a non-judgmental attitude, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their connection to the world around them. Through mindfulness practices, I guide clients to tap into their inner resources, build resilience, and cultivate self-compassion and compassion for others.
By integrating talk-based therapies such as CBT and Psychodynamic techniques with body-based mindfulness practices, I offer a holistic approach to counseling that addresses both emotional and physical aspects of well-being. Together, we'll explore practical tools to support your growth and healing journey, fostering a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional resilience.
Somatic Experiencing is another key essential aspect of my work. Understanding that trauma is stored not only in the mind but also in the body, I utilize somatic experiencing techniques to support the release and integration of unresolved trauma. By guiding clients to explore their bodily sensations and experiences, I assist in restoring the natural balance of the nervous system, promoting healing from within.
Self-compassion is a powerful tool that allows us to treat ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we would offer to a friend in distress. It empowers us to embrace and "be with" our challenging experiences and difficult emotions, giving us the space to heal and grow.
Life can be tough, and we all face our share of everyday struggles. But sometimes, we make things even harder for ourselves by engaging in critical self-talk. At times, witnessing the suffering in others or in our world can open our hearts, but we often struggle to extend that same compassion to ourselves when we face trauma and stress. That's where self-compassion comes in.
If you're ready to embark on this transformative journey, please reach out and schedule a complimentary consultation. Let's begin this process of healing, growth, and self-compassion together.
Specializations
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Trauma
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Life Transitions
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Setting Boundaries
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Negative Self-Regard
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Men’s Issues
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Shame
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Perfectionism
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Relational Struggles
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Attachment Issues
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Grief and Loss
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Feeling Stuck
Education & Credentials
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Texas: #57101
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Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP)
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MSSW from the University of Texas at Austin
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BA from Tulane University
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Gottman Couples Therapy - Level 1
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Trained in Mindfulness and Self-Compassion