PSYCHOTHERAPY

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Hey, hey - thank you for stopping by to learn a little bit more about what you might experience while in therapy with me.  Overall, my approach is intentional toward transforming the way we relate with ourselves and others, as opposed to teaching clients merely how to cope. Coping skills can be live-saving; however, we truly can transform our psyche to create more compassionate internal systems, alleviating the weight of the trauma we carry. My goal is to support deep-dive, transformative healing as opposed to using band-aid approaches that keep clients yearning to go deeper.

My primary clinical focus is working with clients who endure challenges in self-concept (think self-worth, self-esteem, sense of self, relationship with self), relationships with others, and rediscovering ourselves after enduring trauma (developmental, sexual, relational, and more!). 

Many people who seek my services say that they recognize relational or behavioral patterns they would like to change, have challenges with self-esteem, or areas in which they are "stuck." I frequently work with people who might align with the terms "people pleaser," "empath," or "highly sensitive/HSP" and have challenges in identifying or communicating their feelings and needs within the context of interpersonal relationships. 

I am an inclusive and comprehensive practitioner, celebrating the unique attributes of each individual, guiding toward reduction of inner conflict/turmoil while supporting discovery of our most authentic selves.

I work with individuals, those in relationships (couples, triads, polycules, and more), and families of all ages. 

Therapists: a good portion of my caseload is comprised of mental health professionals. Seasoned, comfortable, and you will be treated like a knowledgeable client in this space.

• attachment-focused, trauma-informed, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• family systems, including the acknowledgement of intergenerational trauma
• psychodynamic (how the past impacts the present)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) /parts work, Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), with traces of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)/DBT, and bibliotherapy
• bibliotherapy - yes we can integrate books, literature, and other published works into therapy sessions
• anti-oppression/anti-capitalistic, inclusive feminist theories in support of liberation

*I am not accepting clients who solely seek letter-writing services.

I work with teens, young adults, and adults (plus their family members/partners) who experience:

• anxiety
• low self-esteem, negative self-talk, lack of confidence, "people-pleasing"
• HSPs/empaths
• childhood trauma (physical/emotional/sexual abuse)
• challenges in understanding gender identity/sexual orientation and/or those who are transitioning/coming out
• neurodivergence: ADHD, Autism, OCD, misophonia, unmasking, late diagnosis, and more
• relational/attachment trauma (changes in caregivers, divorce, emotionally absent parents, break-ups with significant others, betrayal)
• traits consistent with Borderline Personality Disorder 

                      (this is relational/attachment/developmental trauma)

• sleep disturbances/insomnia
• those who experience challenges with family relationships/social pressures and/or lack of inclusion related to their gender identity and/or sexual orientation

I also have extensive experience working with other therapists. I treat therapists like I would any other client and you will never hear me say "what would you tell a client to do?" You are a whole person and will be treated as such. No need to wear your therapist hat into session - although I will honor the knowledge base you have and try to not be redundant. 

LGBTQIA+ affirming, competent, and experienced space! 

Enhancing self esteem

• correct negative self-talk
• build a stronger sense of/relationship with self
• improve confidence

Healthy relationships/cycle-breaking

• identify key pillars of relational health
• explore your attachment style and repair
• explore your boundary style and move toward establishing healthier boundaries 
• enhance effective communication 
• understand safe/unsafe relationships

Family functionality and parenting support

• help family members understand needs behind behaviors
• effective behavior management strategies
• communication, boundaries, and building healthy relationships that last across the lifespan
• explore family values 

Also, let's consider how neurodivergence (ND) might manifest in your world, possibly impacting mental health, well-being, and overall function. ND affirming and competent. 

Ky (they/them) earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications at California State University, Bakersfield and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston University. Ky holds independent licensure in Illinois (LCSW 149.025630) and is pursuing licensure in Washington state.

Ky completed an advanced clinical practicum in a sexual trauma specialty program. Through this program, Ky worked extensively with clients who had experienced severe relational, developmental, and sexual trauma. Working through psychodynamic, attachment/relational, and trauma-informed approaches, Ky conceptualizes relational challenges through a trauma-informed lens allowing for intergenerational healing to occur. 

Ky's areas of specialization include relational/developmental complex trauma, which lends well to parenting and family systems work.