I provide professional services to adult individuals affected by anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and all kinds of trauma. These are human and individual life conditions — not always illnesses, and often dismissed in a society based on external achievement. Adults of all ages struggle with navigating not only personal transitions and relationships, but the chaotic and disturbing changes and conflicts in our world today. Gratitude and awe seem out of reach and something only children can enjoy. Adults may feel as panicked as a lost child when faced with the overwhelm and anxiety. And the shame that results from being perceived as weak is equally toxic. Chronic stress can endanger health, causing inflammation of the body, and altering the brain structure and function in harmful and possibly lasting ways.
Connection with a non-judgmental, empathetic human can help in the healing process from many forms of trauma and chronic stress. The primary scope of my license is *relationships*. That includes the relationship with self, family, friends, work, society, the environment, all self identities such as race, gender, sexual partner choice, personal and familial histories, and more. Psychotherapy is considered an art and a science. It establishes empathetic connection, neurologically rewiring the brain to consider new thoughts, increase trust, reprocess memories, and reclaim purpose. Traditional “talk therapy” is most effective in this way when a good enough “fit” occurs between therapist and the individual. People discover who they *really* are, and develop the insight to do more healing on their own. This may include creative activities, movement, spirituality, studying nature or rescuing animals, journaling, community volunteering — any number of things having meaning for that individual and are readily accessible. When therapy is working, it’s not all work. Humor, a playful attitude, and sense of aliveness start to surface.
An important part of my training and therapeutic orientation is the foundational theories such as family systems, object relations/attachment, psychodynamic(insight-oriented), and a Jungian appreciation for the wisdom of art, symbols, and dreams. I am also influenced by the community application and “curious observer, not expert professional” stance of narrative therapy, as well as the constantly emerging scientific research about trauma which includes the role of attachment and neurobiology. I utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), an evidence-based, whole-body therapy that redirects brain connections from the trauma memory to self-empowerment. I believe people are the best judge of their needs in the therapeutic process, and encourage exploration of constructive tools I may provide, or they may discover independently. In this sense, therapy can be as much play as it is work, as much laughter as it may be tears. I am privileged and humbled to be witness and collaborator to a person’s growth and healing.
I am licensed in two states — California and Missouri. I work in person (California) and online (both CA and MO) I keep my private practice small by choice. Previous Open Path clients have included college students and environmental and/or social justice activists, artists, front-line workers, retired or unemployed people, and those living on fixed or overextended income — and anyone who has limited financial means and no truly affordable insurance or a high deductible compared to your expenses. If I feel I do not have the correct expertise for your situation, I will be open about this as I want you to benefit the most from your time in therapy. (Please note: I work with adult individuals and many issues, including relationships. I do not work with active addictions, certain mental health conditions, or intact couples at this time. My website gives more information about me. https://www.growinginsight.com)
