As Walt Whitman wrote, I contain multitudes. A primary focus of my work as a psychotherapist is identity: how to nourish a full, true self. A person who is adopted: integrating the various facets of yourself, what comes from nature and what from nurture. A woman struggling with infertility, or who is pregnant or a new mother: staying in touch with who else you are, beyond that most important role. Someone grieving a loss or grappling with a trauma, whether recent or from childhood, or navigating health issues: not letting that experience completely define you. A person exploring sexual orientation, relationships, stage of life: how are you evolving? Someone overwhelmed and distressed by the state of the world: allowing space for what else is true.

Unconditionally on your side while gently challenging you through questions and alternative perspectives, I work collaboratively, as a fellow human being, with empathy, clarity, and humor. I honor that you are the expert of your unique experience, in our dual pursuit of insight and action: understanding yourself deeply, to determine what to do now to cultivate a life of balance and fulfillment. I have a hybrid approach, ranging from Buddhist mindfulness to cognitive behavior therapy practicality, and offer readings and writing prompts when useful, to support you in setting intentions and striving to realize them. Let us work toward meaningful self-knowledge and positive change together.

VIDEOS:
How Can Providers Incorporate Therapeutic Writing Into Their Care? Interview with Dr. Wayne Jonas, Samueli Institute
Finding Identity within Chronic Illness through Therapeutic Writing
Interview with Dr. Wayne Jonas
Benefits of Therapeutic Writing (Self-reflection, self-knowledge, self-care) Interview with Dr. Wayne Jonas
Adoption and Narrative Interview with Barbara Freedgood, LCSW

PODCAST:
Sarah Saffian on Being a Memoirist, a Psychotherapist, and an Adoptee Adoption Talk, Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children

ARTICLE:
Putting Your Feelings on Paper, Adoptive Families magazine