somatic-informed therapy

helping you overcome doubt and find compassion for all of your parts.

Part of you knows

something needs to shift, but another part of you is afraid to take the leap.

Sound familiar?

With somatic-informed therapy, we start to get a birds-eye view of your unique system.

Internal Family Systems

We all have different parts of us, right? Sometimes those parts are in direct conflict with each other; sometimes they have taken on big burdens or become extreme version of themselves. Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative therapeutic model that views the mind as composed of distinct parts, each with its own perspectives, memories, and roles. The goal of IFS therapy is not to eliminate any parts, but to build more balance within your internal system - your “family” of parts. We work by identifying parts and getting to know them and their role within your system. We also work to build confidence within your core Self, so it can get back in the driver’s seat. Ultimately, we’re working together to help unburden your extreme or wounded parts to restore trust in your internal system and let Self take the lead.

Polyvagal Theory

From the moment we’re born, we need connection with others. Polyvagal theory highlights the role that the autonomic nervous system (particularly the vagus nerve) plays in our emotions, behaviors and social interactions. When we use this in therapy, we blend the physiology of your nervous system with your ability to connect, co-regulate and find safety. We’ll work to map out your unique system, your three distinct states, and learn about your personal cues of safety or danger. We’ll build in practices that will help increase your ability to navigate your nervous system with choice rather than reactivity. We’ll work to support you in navigating the world with safety and flexibility.

how it works

explore

Reaching out to a new therapist can be nerve-wracking. Just remember this first step will lead you closer to a life you envision. When you reach out, I will get back in touch to schedule a 15-minute phone or video call. We’ll ask questions and explore if we are a good fit for each other.

build

We’ll spend a few sessions getting acquainted. We’ll also collaborate on a treatment plan tailored for your specific concerns using one, or both (or none!) of the somatic tools available to you. You are always in control of your care.

 practice

We begin meeting together on a regular basis, at a rate and frequency that is guided by our shared vision, your treatment goals and in response to emerging needs. I’ll help you build awareness and learn new skills. Then you can come back to tell me about all the cool new things you’ve learned about yourself!

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Somatic work is a broad field! Somatic therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on your body and its connection with your mind or emotions. The therapy that I offer is somatic-informed, in that I am pulling from various somatic-based trainings and teachings to inform the way I practice. Not every session is body-based, and not every client that I work with uses this style! However, this is the compass that I use to guide my work overall.

  • Of course not! Some days you may come to therapy needing to vent about something, and that's totally fine. Some sessions will be spent processing, others will be spent using experiential, hands-on practices. We can tailor our work to meet your specific needs.

  • In addition to having my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I have completed several trainings in somatic work. I completed my Level 1 IFS training through the IFS Institute and I have additional training in Somatic IFS. I have also completed the Foundations of Polyvagal Theory, a 6-month training exploring the use of polyvagal theory in the clinical setting.

    I try to live by the principle that you shouldn’t teach anything you wouldn’t try yourself. I have been the recipient of both of polyvagal and IFS therapy and I work regularly with my own parts. I have a regular breath and body practice. I am constantly learning from the cues I get from my nervous system.

  • Sure do! Accessibility is an important part of my practice philosophy. Navigate over to my Policies page to learn more about what insurance companies I work with.

  • The short answer is, most likely. I can’t answer that question fully until I have a better understanding of what brings you to my practice.

    I will say, most of the people I work with are healing trauma and navigating anxiety, depression, panic, OCD, systemic oppression, low self-esteem, attachment trauma and embracing their LGBTQIA+ identity. A common thread of my clients is that they are looking to deepen their connection with themselves and experience life in a new way. Many have the sense that something just isn’t right and they want to explore that intuition.

  • I get it!

    Being a human is awkward, nerve-wracking, beautiful, scary, isolating, enchanting and everything in between. Trusting someone with your story can feel daunting. It's important to know that there's no "wrong" way to do therapy. I try to approach my work with a learner's mindset and a full embrace of my own awkwardness. There is no need to be buttoned up here!

    One of my favorite quotes comes from Georgia O'Keeffe: "I have been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing that I wanted to do."