Individual & Couple's Therapy

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There is nothing more important than self-care when it comes to pregnancy and bringing a human in to the world. We can work together to find how we can help you prioritize your well-being. Because your body is experiencing so much constant change and there is endless planning to be done getting ready to bring baby home, it is not abnormal to feel overwhelmed, scared and frustrated with the people you love the most. I have worked with clients from various backgrounds in helping them find ways to not only manage their pregnancy, but also to enjoy it. We can also focus on preparing for labor and delivery so that you may bring your most fearless self to childbirth.

Oftentimes when there's been a previous loss, a traumatic birth or a history of sexual or physical abuse the changes in the body can trigger unprocessed feelings. I provide a safe space to help process these feelings so you can unload the burden. You are carrying so much already. We can work to help you leave the past in the past. 

As you welcome a new human in to your life, questions about how you were parented may arise. The way you were parented has an impact on your parenting. When we haven't processed how we feel our experiences fully, sometimes the way we parent becomes unconscious and automatic. We can work towards helping you gain a sense of agency in your parenting. In guiding you on this journey, I am always mindful of the cultural impact on your parenting. Intergenerational trauma is complex and often even more so for immigrant families of diaspora.

Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives. Symptoms can change and increase especially when the stressors in life may not be something we have control over. Especially through this pandemic, it has been easy to feel isolated and left in so much quiet only to be burdened by intrusive, catastrophizing and negative thoughts. Often these symptoms are messages that are looking for attention. When we listen closely, we can address the needs that you may not have ever known you had. Addressing those needs can help you recover motivation, perspective, and bring you joy the that you once had in your life. 

Traumatic events can feel debilitating because when they occur, your brain re-wires itself to help you manage the overwhelming feelings associated with that incident. Flashbacks, panic attacks, sleep disturbances are common symptoms. These symptoms are also a message that your body is in need of completing the stress cycle that was halted during the traumatic event. Trauma can range from a loss of a child, a natural disaster, to war, to a car crash, to racist micro-aggressions, or to repeated gaslighting by a parent. Trauma is an occurrence where the individual’s response to a given situation will need individual attention to be fully processed. Your treatment will be customized to your needs.

Like individuals, couples can get stuck in negative patterns and behaviors. Making sure that both parties are communicating effectively will be priority using techniques guided by Imago Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and 40 years of Gottman research. 

The first 3 sessions will be an assessment of conflict and identifying goals. I will meet with both you and your partner in the first session, then each of you individually to share your thoughts. 

Sometimes it may come to surface that the couple as an entity may benefit from both parties seeking their own treatment. Oftentimes couples will get stuck in a dynamic that only requires change in one area during a dedicated time. 

Relationships may benefit from an objective perspective. I am available to see both hetero and same-sex couples as well and happy to work with those in polyamorous relationships as well.