I believe connection and authenticity are cornerstones to relationships, and that too often, people sacrifice one to have the other. My approach supports clients in identifying and living in alignment with their values and exploring how to create and maintain fulfilling relationships where both connection and authenticity can coexist. By fostering open communication, self-awareness, and emotional intimacy, I help clients build deeper bonds while staying true to themselves. I tend to be pretty directive with clients, and utilize theories such as Internal Family Systems, Attachment, Trauma-Informed, and Psychoanalytic.
I work with issues such as relationship transitions, grief and loss, chronic pain and illness, specifically dealing with a cancer diagnosis, men’s and women’s issues, trauma, and sex and sexual wellness.
I do believe that sexuality is everywhere, from the way we dress, to the way we take care of ourselves, to the careers we choose and who we surround ourselves with. Sexuality and sexual health have always been passions of mine and working within frameworks of attachment and internal family systems, I value creating an environment of safety, authenticity and playfulness when working with clients around these topics. I believe sex has the capacity to heal, nurture and empower, but is often the origin of shame, pain and discomfort.
Clients come to therapy to ask questions, be heard and seen, and discuss parts of themselves and their journeys that are incredibly powerful and vulnerable. I work to gain my client’s trust and welcome them with genuine interest and curiosity. I am playful, compassionate and genuine in supporting clients as they build greater self-awareness and build healthier relationships.
When I am not in the office seeing clients, I am presenting or doing speaking engagements in the community about sex and sexuality, training other clinicians on how to bring sex and intimacy into the therapy room with their clients, or facilitating retreats for couples who want to enhance their sexual lives.
More personally, I am a survivor of triple negative breast cancer who loves the Golden Girls and believes movement is medicine. I love snowmobiling in the winters and being on the water in the summers. My favorite season is Fall and I enjoy everything pumpkin! I am from Wisconsin, love the color purple, and have to have my coffee in the mornings!