Wild Instincts 
Creative and Holistic Therapy for Complex Trauma, Depression and Anxiety

Approach

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 I am a transpersonal art therapist who also uses relational, body based and trauma informed approaches in addressing your concerns. This means, I welcome all of your personhood into session and hold a broad lens beyond symptoms and diagnoses.  Building and nurturing the therapeutic relationship with each individual is crucial in allowing the process of healing to begin. I start with this foundation first and relate back to it throughout our work together. 

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We are an accumulation of our experiences and perception is reality. It is how we process the information of those experiences that shape who we are as humans. You have the instinctual capacity to heal and you have the tools to do so.  Sometimes, our instinctual adaptive resources prevent our innate ability to expand and evolve. I help you deepen into your experience in order to move through these barriers to achieve lasting change in the areas of concern. 

 

I use a warm, curious yet honest approach in working with clients. Everyone has a different way of relating, sharing, and connecting; I will always meet you where you are at and honor your process while gently guiding you towards your emotions, sensations and experiences. My goal is to create a safe environment while holding acceptance and compassion towards your needs, longings and fears.    

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TRAINING

 

 Over the last 7 years I have worked and trained in various settings including: Primary therapist at an HIV/AIDS organization, Individual and Family therapist in a residential treatment facility for young adults, a transitional living  program for young adults, camp facilitator for an all girls youth empowerment camp, a women's center and now private practice. Doing this work in a variety of settings has imparted me with diverse experiences to increase my capacity as a therapist. I have specific training in the treatment of trauma through the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute in Colorado. Being an art therapist I will often weave art- based interventions into the knowledge I have of working with the treatment of trauma, interpersonal challenges and the body.

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Beliefs

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Being a therapist has been my life's purpose since I was 15. I have known since then that I want to support others in breaking barriers to reconnect with their wholeness. I firmly believe in the importance of integrity and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship and know that it is important for me to continually check my privilege and be held accountable in this sacred work. I believe healing cannot occur in isolation and that regardless of your race, gender or sexual orientation, you deserve and are entitled to access care. The sanctity of the therapeutic relationship is the highest priority. I believe in open communication and collaboration and will often check in with you about your experience. 

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I am deeply human and believe in exploring all parts of myself.  I believe that I can only help you as much as I help myself, and am committed to my own personal growth as much as I am yours. As a professional, I am held to a high standard by the community and licensure boards. My capacity to do my job well means tending to my self care, continued personal growth and professional development. 

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HUMAN FIRST 

 

I am a human first and therapist second. I have my ups and downs and all of the in between moments too. I am learning everyday just as much as you how to navigate being human and learning more about all parts of me. In my day to day, the ocean and nature bring me so much ease and joy. Rock climbing reminds me of my body and mind's capacity to overcome fear, and my art shows me what is happening within. I love making art when I feel a burst of creativity or slow mornings with coffee and my journal. One of my favorite joys is to make food for friends and loved ones. I've recently rekindled my love of dancing and will dance on land or the water on my big ole longboard! 

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Education

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Masters Degree

Transpersonal Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Art Therapy

Naropa University, 2015

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Bachelor of Arts

Studio Art

University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2012

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Training and Memberships

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Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) 

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level 1: Affect Regulation, Survival Defenses, and Traumatic Memory

Certified Addiction Counseling Courses

AEDP Training Workshops 

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