I have long been interested in the ways the stories we tell shape our understanding of ourselves and connection to each other. As an art history undergraduate and painter myself, I was drawn to the subject of portraiture as an exploration of identity and human nature.

Along the way, I have been fortunate to have the support of a few therapists who helped me confront the stories that were impeding my connection to myself and others in my life. These experiences, as well as my time as a volunteer on the suicide hotline, have deepened my understanding of human nature and inspired me to pursue a career as a therapist. While I work with a range of themes, I am particularly attuned to working with those struggling with the impact of relational or developmental trauma, anxiety & depression, career and other life transitions, feelings of overwhelm & performance anxiety, grief and loss, loss of identity, or creative blocks.

Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I had a 25 year career as a creative professional. As such, I can relate to the personal values and passion that lead someone to pursue a creative occupation that is intertwined with individual identity. With that, comes the challenges of living outside of dominant culture without a roadmap forward and the instability that can occur with freelance/consultative work. (Hear more about some of my work with Tracy Sondern for aging creatives on the podcast Beyond Artist’s Block.)

I believe our stories are shaped by structures of power, language, and context, and I hold space that is informed by cultural sensitivity and allyship. I am LGBT-affirmative, sex positive, and support all relationship structures. I identify as an ally of the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.