PTC

In my work I focus on reworking gendered power dynamics with individuals and couples and addressing social inequities that keep partners form being collaborative with one another.

Identifying as female presents unique physiological, psychological, and developmental challenges throughout the life span. Our patriarchal culture has ignored these significant needs, resulting in diverse forms of trauma. My academic, depth, and relational training, as well as my lived experience, informs my work with women as they move through the remarkable phases of feminine identity.

I specialize in working with women. In my practice, I am consistently looking at my client’s experience through the feminist lens. From this perspective I work collaboratively with my clients to allow for a more balanced, accepting, and self-compassionate experience of themselves.

When we reflect on our feelings and experiences, it is important to acknowledge the various systemic and societal influences at play. Over our lifetime, we naturally internalize messages from our culture that ultimately inform our beliefs about ourselves in the world. Feminist therapy focuses on understanding this in order to help us move beyond limiting beliefs and live a truly authentic life.

Often our “psychological problems” are actually healthy responses to an unhealthy, unjust society. Feminist theory offers a lens for understanding systemic oppression and its interaction with mental health. It also encourages therapists to share power with clients as much as possible. I try to be aware of the ways that my own privilege and cultural bias can influence my work with others.

Feminist therapy is about empowerment: power that comes from within and collectively and allows you and yours to make change and impact your lives. I want to help you to support, nurture, and grow mutual empowerment in your relationships. I see therapeutic goals as rooted in moving towards connection and increasing mutuality in relationships rather than focusing on independence and separation.

I've studied feminist theory and trans theory at the graduate level, have written several graduate level papers, and have attended and continue to attend professional conferences devoted to exploring cultural and systemic oppression. I have a graduate certificate in Women's Studies and I have taught Feminist Philosophies courses.

I work primarily with women, non-binary, and queer people to rewrite the stories we have been told, and tell ourselves, about our self-power, lovability, competence, beauty, bodies, and societal worth.

The struggles we each face do not occur in a vacuum - we are all subject to the influences of family, cultural, and societal systems. Examining the individual without considering the impact of these systems does the client a disservice. I apply and anti-oppression, intersectional feminist lens to all client work.

Being steeped in social justice theory and the role of power in all relationships, feminism comes as a natural fit. The divine feminine is about equilibrium—bringing things into alignment. Certainly there is a place in life for extremes, which I\'m supposing is what has brought you here, seeking therapy services. Now is the time to find balance.

As a radical feminist, I believe my work must: > deeply honor each person's inner wisdom over pathologizing doctrine; > recognize the deep soul wounding that chronic and acute oppression, systems of injustice, and planetary pain cause; and > orient deep personal healing in service to becoming an empowered agent of change, rather than adjusting to being a cog in the machine.

My work as a feminist therapist focuses on how intersectional oppressions can impact mental health. Within families/relationships, I am focused on support equal division of labor (including emotional labor). Feminism is just as relevant to men\'s issues as well work to break down gender stereotypes that often prevent men/masculine people from living fully and with joy.

Feminist therapy is my theoretical orientation, and I counsel through a lens that examines the impact of society and systems on mental health.

I hold an intersectional feminist worldview, which means that I look not just at individual circumstances that impede personal growth, but also effects of systemic oppression fostered by a culture of white supremacy, patriarchy, homophobia and ableism. I hold all worldviews with gentleness and respect, but this perspective is foundational in my own understanding of the larger context of our work.

I am greatly influenced by growing up in the 60's and 70's. In practical terms, it is important to me to always communicate my respect for my clients and acknowledge their expertise.