I come from a family of immigrants to the US, and grew up and continue to live in the Midwest. I identify as a white, cishet, middle-aged woman and currently able-bodied. I have worked extensively in higher education settings, providing vocational/career counseling, psychotherapy, and clinical supervision and have served in leadership roles in student affairs. Most recently, I served as a wellbeing director for students in veterinary medicine. I always have a stack of books I am reading, love to see live music, like to tinker with recipes old and new, and spend time with beloved family and friends. In my work and in my life outside work, I hope to both recognize the wisdom that comes with each passing year, while also continuing to learn and challenge my ways of thinking and being in the world.
I have been a licensed psychologist in Minnesota since 2004, and have many years of experience providing psychotherapy to individual adults. I was trained in counseling psychology, which is grounded in a holistic and strengths based perspective, an orientation toward social justice, and commitment to healing and liberation, among other values.
My approach to therapy is integrative. I work collaboratively with you to determine the right direction for our work together and usually borrow from more than one approach or theoretical orientation in the process. My style is warm, open, and curious, often quirky, nerdy, and humorous. I take an LGBTQIA+ affirming stance in my work and have personal and professional experience with neurodivergent folks. Some influences in my work are:
Somatic (body-based) techniques
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Humanistic psychotherapy
Existential psychotherapy
Relational-Cultural psychotherapy
I find meaning in supporting humans who are suffering, to find and build resources within themselves and in the world around them. I enjoy supporting people as they make major life transitions, connect or reconnect to their values and what’s important to them, and more fully engage in life even in the midst of struggle.
As a systems thinker, I pay attention to how the structures and systems we live under condition and affect all of us and our relationships with each other.