Relational Therapy

In relational therapy, my expertise stems from a deep understanding of the dynamics within interpersonal connections. I specialize in exploring the intricate patterns of communication, attachment styles, and relational dynamics. Through a collaborative and empathetic approach, I guide individuals in fostering healthier relationships, resolving conflicts, and enhancing intimacy. My dedication to relational therapy empowers clients to cultivate fulfilling connections.

As a Marriage, Couple and Family Therapist, I believe relationships are central to our experience of the world. We take into consideration the effects on each person's life of differences in power or equality as well as the impact of social issues such as class, race, gender, and culture. Relational therapy is collaborative and supportive.

I am highly relational in my work with clients, and I strive to create a space where clients feel deeply known, seen, and understood. I believe that in the context of such a relationship, hopefulness and change organically take place. I foster a therapy environment where clients can feel seen, valued, and understood. I see therapy as a collaboration between your lived expertise and my clinical expertise, and value the opportunity to get to know you and your story.

Relational therapy understands that our lives are shaped by our relationships, and they are integral to our health and happiness. Relationships impact every area of our life.

As a relationally-trained therapist, I specialize in working with clients by using a systemic perspective. This means that we will explore a client’s relationship to themselves, to others, and to society as a whole.

I have been working with relationship, culture and role throughout my career.

The primary reason I chose to become a marriage and family therapist is because I believe in the impact of relationships on our lives; therefore, I have spent the past several years consuming current studies on relational therapy.  I bring a curiosity to my practice that invites family dynamics, environments, friendships, and romantic relationships to have a role in one's identity.  I believe relational therapy techniques can be used with anybody - individuals, couples, families, etc.

As humans, we have evolved to withstand life’s inherent traumas through interdependency. Not codependency. Interdependency. We thrive, as humans, when we can rely on and support others. And we learn how to support ourselves and others through the kind of support we’ve received. In therapy, we create a relationship (a unique one at that!) to help you bring those feelings up to be safely experienced and now responded to in the way(s) you needed before. With compassion, empathy, sincere belief, and support. This is how we release the past and free ourselves from having to “manage” all the freaking time.

Research tells us that the number one predictor of client success in therapy is the "therapeutic alliance" between therapist and client. That is why before anything else I am determined to think of each person as an individual and built a unique relationship and treatment plan for every person I see. One size fits all doesn't work in clothes and it definitely doesn't work in therapy.

My approach with every client is always to prioritize safety and rapport before adhering to specific modalities. By staying curious about your past & present experiences, and the health of our relationship, a pathway is formed for our therapeutic relationship to grow. I am a relational therapist, and I integrate awareness of body and unconscious behaviors.

The therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in the success of therapy. We'll build a rapport and examine the relationship patterns in your life that impact your well-being.

I believe harm and healing occur within relationships. The relationship we cultivate of trust and honesty in the therapy space can be a learning lab, where we practice new skills that can then be translated into other relationships in your life. I believe the "click" and fit between therapist and client is one of the most important predictors of success in therapy, so I will be very open and honest in helping you find the best person with whom to seek care!

As a Marriage and Family Therapist I am always steering couples and individuals towards relational health. Moving towards relational health can be challenging. Often it requires stronger boundaries which upsets the dynamics families and couples are used to. However, the rewards of relational health are living a more purpose, authenticity, and joy.

The human connection is the most important part of therapy. This has been demonstrated over and over again, that the therapist we connect with is the best therapist for us, no matter what techniques they use.

We do not live in isolation, and our relationships to others and to our communities and culture influence us in many ways. Relational therapy aims to understand how the relationships in our lives and cultural/systemic forces shape who we are, and how we are doing in turn influences our relationships. The therapeutic relationship offers a direct experiential opportunity for us to explore and work on relationship dynamics.

A strong relationship between a therapist and their client is one of the signatories of growth, potential, and healing. I leverage the evidence-based principles behind therapeutic teamwork and draw from psychodynamic, relational, and behavioral modalities, specifically including the research surrounding Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP). I also employ the research of Peter Fonagy and others to assist clients with considering a reflective or mindful approach to their lives.

The core foundation of good therapeutic work is a relationship built on warmth, authenticity, and trust, where all parties learn from one another. Our approach pays close attention to what is happening moment-to-moment and explores the ways that we are impacting each other. We know that therapy is incredibly vulnerable and can feel intimidating! Our therapists are not blank slates-knowing about the person you're sharing with and what they stand for makes sharing a little bit easier.

A relational approach is humanistic and person-centered. It views individuals as containing an innate capacity to heal from within; we can understand our problems and have the resources within ourselves to resolve them. Therapy from a relational perspective rests in the relationship between the client and therapist, has a flexible structure, and is minimally directive.