Specialties
Anxiety, Panic & Body-Based Fears
I take a trauma-informed approach to anxiety, because let’s face it: having a panic attack is traumatic. Living with severe fear and panic is traumatic. Not to mention, many people who develop anxiety have a history of chronic stress, unrelenting pressure, difficult childhoods, and/or a sensitive, deep-feeling temperament. All of this can lead to developing a dysregulated nervous system - one that is hypervigilant, overprotective, and very reactive.
You don’t need to be harder and harsher on yourself or “just push through the anxiety” anymore. You likely need compassion, understanding, and gentleness toward your system that has worked so hard to protect you (even though it doesn’t feel like it). We will work on establishing safety within your body and mind while gently expanding your comfort zone and tolerance so that you can live the life you are meant to live - on your terms, not anxiety’s! We will befriend your anxiety and anxious sensations and learn to be your own best ally when it comes to fear.
Some of the anxiety types I specialize in include: general anxiety and fear, panic attacks and panic disorder, somatic (physical) symptoms & syndromes, emetophobia, body-based phobias or fears, health anxiety, and medical trauma.
Chronic Illness & Medical Trauma
There is more and more research coming out about the benefits of mindfulness and nervous system regulation for helping to manage chronic pain, and to allow you to navigate symptom flares with more compassion and more ease. Whether it’s navigating grief and loss, trying to figure out your new identity, or managing fear about symptoms or pain, I will guide you with the skills you need to build a meaningful, fulfilling life even with health challenges.
Some of the issues I have helped clients navigate include (but are not limited to): Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, POTS, MCAS, Fibromyalgia, Autoimmune Diseases, MS, and other pain conditions.
As a fellow “spoonie” - I find it deeply rewarding to help walk alongside those who have experienced medical trauma or chronic illness. I have significant compassion for the more stigmatized or lesser understood conditions, as well as for young women who have had their youth and “best” years complicated by chronic illness.
Burnout, Perfectionism, & People Pleasing
Together, we will discover the beliefs and behaviors that fuel a high-stress, no-rest lifestyle, or the factors that contribute to your burnout and fatigue. We will uncover the unique story behind your burnout, begin to work on rebalancing your nervous system by addressing (and finding) your true, authentic self and living by those values, releasing stored tension in the body, practicing balance, and more.
I love helping clients set boundaries so that even the most “people-pleasing” women can start to say no when they mean no, and yes when they mean yes. I love helping high-achieving women learn to challenge the rules and rigid expectations they have set for themselves that makes them feel constantly under pressure and unable to relax.
Highly Sensitive & Empathic
In our society, we are often taught that being highly sensitive is something we need to “fix” or get rid of. However, many clients I work with who struggle with chronic health ailments and/or anxiety find that they are exceptionally sensitive or empathic. Sensitivity can be to noises, textures, stress, or any type of stimuli - and high levels of empathy without appropriate boundaries and self-care can lead to exhaustion, moodiness, relationship difficulties, and trouble with upholding boundaries.
I am passionate about helping highly sensitive & empathic women feel empowered, embrace their gift of sensitivity, and harness their superpower!
Disclaimer:
At this time, I am unable to take on clients who are struggling with severe dissociation, psychosis, critical safety concerns such as significant self-harm or suicidality, or active substance use addiction. Due to being a fully remote telehealth therapist who does deep emotional processing and experiential work, I feel I am not able to provide the level of support needed for clients managing these concerns. I am happy to provide referrals if you are needing help finding a therapist.