My desire to become a counselor was born when I was helped by a psychologist as an adolescent. The presence of a understanding, kind, and accepting adult was so impactful that it helped realign my life, and I knew that I wanted to help others in similar ways.

My journey of healing continued well after adolescence (and it still continues). In my young adulthood, I sought relief from trauma, depression, and anxiety in a number of ways, some helpful, some not. Before college, I spent time at a Zen Buddhist monastery, which gave me a grounded appreciation for the power of meditation, contemplative practices, and time-tested wisdom traditions. From there, I studied philosophy, psychology, and environmental/social justice in undergrad.

I found satisfaction in combining the intellectual traditions of Western academia with the experiential practices of Buddhism. Learning about social justice and the history of the West from the perspective of the oppressed helped me to understand how, and why, our culture passes on intergenerational trauma and unresolved distress.

Graduate studies in counseling helped me put the pieces together into practices, models, and methods that could help me heal at a deeper level. I owe much to the many guides and peers who helped (and continue to help) open me up to newer dimensions of wellbeing and awareness.

As a counselor, I draw on all areas of my education in my work. I acknowledge the importance of methods derived from scientific methodologies, while understanding that inner experience is mysterious and not fully mapped out. I work with healing on the personal level, while understanding that harmful systems of power must also be addressed through collective action. I work with trauma and subtle layers of experience, while recognizing that healing has its own timeline and will, beyond my best ideas.

I am grateful that I am able to do this work. I am honored by every person who lets me walk alongside them in their growth and healing. It is hard to convey just how much I gain from working with my clients. Your bravery, resilience, ingenuity, and beauty inspire me, daily.

Any work I do is thanks to my family, friends, loved ones, and cat (Kaya). We all need good reasons to face the challenges of this life; you are all my reason.