My Philosophy
My Approach to Holistic, Affirming Trauma Therapy
In a typical individual or group therapy session with me, you can expect me to be direct, sometimes uncomfortably perceptive, and gentle. I often start sessions by asking, "Is there anything you'd like to focus on today?" This isn't because I don't have a plan, but because I inherently trust what your body may be bringing up for you and want to foster your personal autonomy. I am not going to be a therapist that tells you what to do. My goal is to help you learn to trust yourself and understand what is really motivating your behaviors.
As an Affirming Trauma Therapist, I am Committed to
Supporting Folx of all Identities Throughout Utah,
Rhode Island, and Idaho
As a trauma therapist practicing holistic trauma therapy, I believe there is a deep connection between our body's instinctive need for protection and our personal behaviors. Our unprocessed trauma and subconscious rules can often keep us feeling stuck in patterns of self-sabotage. Our environments are often steeped in judgement, shame, urgency, and comparison that foster feeling chronically unsafe. This is particularly applicable for folx who are in the minority (neurodivergent, queer, fat, non-white, disabled, etc.). I aim to be affirming for these individuals. Part of this is done through the different payment options and therapy-types I offer. I do have experience writing letters to access gender-affirming care based on WPATH standards.
My Role as an Affirming Trauma Therapist
In general, our culture views traumatic experiences as major events such as violence, natural disasters, war, etc. As research continues to develop in this field, we have found that there is a much larger spectrum. My own personal definition of trauma is those events that negatively change the way we view ourselves, other people, or the world around us. I believe every person has experienced and internalized trauma. This demands that we have greater compassion and patience with each other and ourselves.
I also believe that we each have the capacity to heal ourselves with the appropriate supports. My role is to help you identify your stuck points and make tangible progress towards your goals. This often requires processing past trauma. Viewing the counseling process as more than an exercise in willpower is essential. If it was a matter of you just trying harder, you would've done it already. I'm here to help you figure out the next steps!
All of my services are available in person at my Hyde Park, Utah office — easily accessible to Logan and Cache Valley — or online from anywhere in Utah, Rhode Island, or Idaho.