I believe every individual possesses unique strengths and talents, yet adverse experiences such as trauma, abuse, neglect, or chronic stress can obscure these abilities and leave people feeling “stuck.” In response to such adversity, individuals often develop coping mechanisms—like substance use or social withdrawal—that may have been adaptive in the past but become barriers to thriving in the present. My therapeutic work centers on helping individuals recognize and transform these patterns, supporting them in building lives that are meaningful and aligned with their values. Through therapy, we explore the impact of past and present experiences on physical and emotional well-being, thought patterns, and core beliefs, fostering insight that can lead to new, healthier ways of living.

A foundational aspect of my approach is Trauma-Informed Care, which acknowledges the pervasive impact of trauma and the importance of creating a safe, validating therapeutic environment. Many individuals seeking help have felt dismissed or re-traumatized by healthcare systems, which can undermine their sense of safety and trust. My role as a social worker includes advocacy for clients who have experienced inadequate care or violations of their rights, striving to ensure they are heard and supported within systems that may have previously failed them.

Incorporating an evolutionary perspective, I recognize that many mental health challenges arise because most humans are now living in environments that differ significantly from those in which we evolved. These “mismatched” environments—characterized by chronic stress, social isolation, artificial stimulation, and disrupted daily rhythms—can create or exacerbate dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS continuously scans for safety or threat—a process known as neuroception—and its responses can shape our ability to connect, learn, and feel secure. When the ANS perceives threat, survival responses like fight, flight, or dissociation are activated, which can become chronic and lead to patterns of hypervigilance or disconnection. Educating clients about their nervous systems and supporting them in developing strategies for regulation is a key part of my practice, drawing on somatic approaches from leaders such as Stephen Porges and Deb Dana.

Effective trauma therapy aims to “widen the Window of Tolerance,” helping individuals decouple fear responses from distressing experiences. According to van der Kolk, this can be achieved through three main approaches: medication (including psychotropics and emerging psychedelic therapies), “top-down” cognitive and emotional regulation strategies, and “bottom-up” somatic interventions. I provide information on the benefits and risks of these modalities, respecting each client’s preferences and empowering them to make informed choices about their healing journey.

One “top-down” approach I use is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which integrates mindfulness, values clarification, and committed action. ACT helps clients accept unwanted thoughts and feelings as part of the human experience, reducing the struggle against these experiences and supporting movement toward valued living. I also incorporate “bottom-up” somatic interventions, such as those informed by Deb Dana and Stephen Porgess to help clients develop skills in self-nurture, self-care, and embodiment. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another evidence-based method I use, which integrates both cognitive and somatic elements to help process distressing memories and reduce reactivity.

I also promote harm reduction, recognizing that for many individuals with co-occurring trauma and substance use, complete abstinence may not be realistic or immediately achievable. Instead, I support clients in making safer choices and reducing the negative impact of substance use, with the ultimate goal of developing healthier coping mechanisms. Therapy is an opportunity to explore and implement these changes at each client’s own pace. My overall aim is to foster self-empowerment, holistic well-being, and the recognition of each person’s inherent strengths as they move toward healing and growth.

A few years ago, I began taking classes through the C.G. Jung Institute of Colorado and have also engaged in personal therapy as part of my own analytic process. This experience has sparked a deep interest in Jungian psychology and its emphasis on understanding the unconscious, archetypes, and the process of individuation. My ongoing study and personal analysis are helping me lay a strong foundation in Jungian teachings, with the intention of applying for the formal analyst training program in the future. I look forward to integrating these insights into my clinical work, enriching my approach to healing with the depth and wisdom of Jungian analytical psychology.