My Approach
At the core of my approach is a systemic and relational lens. I’m always holding the larger picture of how family dynamics, identity, culture, power, and lived experience have shaped the way you relate to yourself and to others.
I believe that your thoughts, emotions, and nervous system make sense within the relationships and systems you’ve lived inside of. Nothing exists in a vacuum—your feelings, distress, and behaviors are shaped by context, connection, and survival needs.
This perspective helps reduce shame and moves us away from pathologizing patterns that once helped you adapt and survive.
How I work
Rather than staying focused on one perspective, therapy is an ongoing process of zooming in and out.
We zoom out when it’s helpful to understand the broader context of your experiences. We zoom in when it’s more supportive to work with what’s happening right now in your thoughts, emotions, body, and relationships.
Moving between these views helps us stay grounded and focused, without getting overwhelmed by the big picture or lost in the sauce of any one perspective.
What this means in practice
In sessions, this often means slowing things down, noticing patterns as they arise, and paying attention to how your nervous system responds—especially during moments of stress, conflict, or disconnection.
From there, we work toward building more responsive, less reactive ways of relating to yourself and others, guided by what feels sustainable and supportive for you.
My toolkit & approach
As we oscillate between zoomed-in and zoomed-out perspectives, I anchor our work in well-researched, clinically supported theories and approaches, including:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Polyvagal theory and nervous system–informed care
Attachment theory and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT/EFCT)
I may also integrate elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic and experiential therapies, narrative and existential approaches, as well as evidence-based practices like DBT and CBT, and more.
I use the theories in my toolkit thoughtfully and collaboratively based on what feels most supportive for you. Much like a whisk wouldn’t be your tool of choice when tasked with hanging a picture on the wall, not every theory is going to be well-suited for the work we’re doing together!
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (Texas, #97766)
M.A. in Professional Clinical Counseling
Supervision by Stephanie Van Fossen, Certified Sex Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor
Ongoing training in trauma, polyvagal, identity-affirming care, and more.
Let’s be real. This info is both important and, perhaps, a little boring. I’ve done my best to keep it short and sweet.
Credentials & training
I also believe in doing my own work
I know firsthand what it feels like to sit in the client’s chair and have your raw, tender, messy humanness witnessed and held. You won’t be judged or rushed through these moments, we’ll give them the time, space, and tenderness they deserve.