Counseling Focus Areas

There are so many kinds of change that we can experience, including but not limited to big life transitions. Transitions can be exciting, and can also involve difficulty. Grief and loss may be experienced with some transitions, such as the death of a loved one, moving or losing a home, starting or ending an important relationship, career changes, illness, and more. Adjustment is non-linear process, and having support can make a huge difference.

 Trauma is an experience that anyone can have, and everyone’s experience is different. Trauma is caused by many things, from critical incidents, bullying, violence, or abuse, to the grating effects of living and working in systems of oppression. Many folks experience burnout. All of this can leave us afraid, exhausted or even too energized, depressed, and more. Recovery is possible, and counseling can be a powerful way to move toward healing.

I support people in exploring a variety of social and cultural identities, keeping in mind my own social locations and the way these can affect the counseling relationship. I specialize in LGBTQIA2S+ affirming counseling and neurodivergent affirming counseling. Neurodivergent identities I can support include (but are not limited to), ADHDers, autistic folks, synthesthetes, and people with sensory processing differences.

Trying to begin or complete an advanced degree, or working professionally within the hierarchy of academia can be fulfilling, and it can also present a number of struggles. Dealing with certain elements of these environments can create exhaustion for those with marginalized identities. At worst, bullying or mobbing can occur. I provide support for those struggling within academia, looking to leave, or who need to heal after leaving. 

Any number of things can cause existential or spiritual concerns or crises. You may have reached a point where previous existential or spiritual understandings no longer make sense and you want to discuss this with a counselor. You may be having transpersonal, mystical, or outside-of-the-ordinary experiences that you want to talk about. Or perhaps you would like support as you explore something new.

Climate change is affecting us in a number of ways. You may have directly experienced a climate disaster or environmental loss. You may be having a variety of feelings coming up as you read distressing news headlines. Processing feelings and building resilience is essential for personal wellbeing, collective liberation, and the healing of our planet. Support to cope can feel like a relief.