What are all these different types of therapy?

Somatic Therapy: Somatic (body-based) psychotherapy means becoming aware of your bodily experience of your emotions in the present moment. Somatic work is effective for the treatment of trauma and for emotional regulation and awareness. Often times as a result of past trauma we may feel challenging sensations in the body when triggered (heart racing, chest constriction, muscular impulses) and through becoming compassionately aware of these sensations, understanding them and working with these activated states without feeling overwhelmed, one can learn to effectively relate to one’s experience with greater ease and relief. I offer verbal guidance about how to cultivate sensory awareness and listen for what your physical experiences are telling you. I help you build a sense of mastery in working with these sensations to effectively address the concerns you are bringing to therapy while we uncover your personal sense of empowerment related to your core values and co-create healing and meaning from your experiences.

Relational therapy: Relational therapy means I'm an active, engaged partner in your healing, not just a neutral observer. Together, we co-create new relationship experiences within the therapeutic relationship itself, building healthy attachment and addressing trauma, loss, and damaged connections. If vulnerability, trust, or closeness have felt unsafe in the past, this is a space to practice them. By noticing relational patterns as they emerge in real time, we can compassionately examine what's kept you stuck and make meaningful shifts toward deeper intimacy that can extend to meaningful connections in your life.

Affirming care for diverse sexual and relational systems: I am a sex-positive therapist who affirms and celebrates the full diversity of sexual expression, relationship structures, and personal identity. Sex positivity isn't about how much or how little sex you have — it's about cultivating a sexuality that truly reflects who you are. I recognize the real harm that shame and stigma around sex and sexuality can cause to relationships, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing. Whether you identify as asexual, highly sexual, LGBTQ+, non-monogamous, or are simply exploring what feels right for you, this is a space to show up fully, without judgment and feel empowered to choose the relationships and sexuality that align with your whole self.

Psychosis spectrum specialized care: Shared decision making and collaboration is at the heart of early psychosis work. Navigating hallucinations, paranoia, felt presences, or other perceptual shifts in a neurotypical world can be disorienting and isolating. I bring both clinical expertise and genuine respect as you make meaning of your experiences and find grounding to move forward in your life.

Evidence based approaches for psychosis spectrum experiences include: CBTp, DBT informed therapy for psychosis, Compassion Focused Therapy, Feeling Safe program, EMDR for psychosis. Many of these modalities help alleviate distressing thoughts and provide real life opportunities to learn how to feel safe and grounded even when the world is not feeling that way. Voice Dialogue (both Rufus May and Eleanor Longden approach) is an approach to help you feel more sense of choice and agency in relation to how your voices. influence or impact you. Art and writing are also important chanels for exploration and expression to alleviate stress and create meaning from your experiences. Additionally, I offer peer led resources such as psychosis outside of the box to clients. Building community is integral to healing and self-acceptance.

Professional Affiliations:

Kink Aware Proffessionals

Bay Area Open Minds

AEDP Institute

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Manhattan Alternative

Professional Education and Training