WELCOME!
Life is a funny thing. And often terribly complicated. During our journey in this world, we often face challenges that can feel too big or ongoing. And so often we struggle in silence. But you don’t have to. It can help to work with a therapist with a deep understanding of what it’s like to struggle and who is passionate about helping others learn to thrive despite these adversities.
FINDING MEANING:
We estimate that our little, blue sphere in our corner of the universe has over 7 billion people living on its surface, that our galaxy alone contains no less than 100 billion planets, and that the cosmos itself is composed of 500 billion galaxies. And faced with such incredible vastness, it can be easy for us to feel small and insignificant, or to get lost. And yet, just as there is only the smallest fraction of probabilities for life itself to occur, you – a wholly unique person, not just genetically, but in your life experiences, however traumatic or meaningful – exist.
One of life’s most persistent dilemmas is learning to navigate the vastness and ambiguity of our experience. Counseling is one process through which many people learn to deal with trauma unique to their experience and rise above that narrative to live a richer and more fulfilling life. Together, we can explore your current circumstances, process their significance in your life, and work to resolve your problems and help you reclaim your strengths.
MY APPROACH:
My approach to counseling tends to be sensitive, warm, and compassionate, but also pragmatic. I believe counseling should be a space where clients can feel free of judgement and given the space to work through uncomfortable issues from their past and present. I believe in listening to my clients, respecting their unique challenges, and showing compassion even if they have had little from others or themselves. I also love to laugh with clients! I am a firm believer in the healing power that can be found through humor, which can help to normalize the pain we feel and reshape our perspective.
It can also be tough to find a provider who is informed on and compassionate about the actual lived experiences of people in the LGBTQ community. I have nearly 40 years of personal experience in being gay and queer in the deep south, and over a decade of experience supporting other LGBTQ folks in therapy. I believe that connecting with your therapist is essential and I enjoy building a working relationship with my clients. I am passionate about working with other marginalized persons, such as BIPOC folks and recognize the ongoing systemic issues faced by too many communities.
My theoretical orientation to treatment draws from concepts and tools from multiple theoretical frameworks: existential psychology, narrative psychology, positive psychology, relational psychology, mindfulness-based recovery, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Seeking Safety, harm reduction, psychoeducation, and radical acceptance. I have also seen the power of relationship-based counseling for many clients; I enjoy building an authentic and safe relationship with my clients through sharing of similar or helpful stories as appropriate from my own and others’ life experiences. It’s my goal to empower clients and guide my clients in reclaiming their inner strength and finding resilience that resides in us all.
CHANGE:
If any of this resonates with you and you’re ready for change, please do not hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I welcome the opportunity to work alongside you to help you lead a more fulfilling time here on this little, blue planet.
WHERE:
My in-person office is located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. I also offer telehealth/remote-counseling in all of North Carolina and Vermont. Please feel free to message me with any questions you may have about counseling or my practice.
