Specializations
People-Pleasing
A lot of millennials have the habit of putting others' needs ahead of their own at the expense of their well-being. Although it may not sound so bad to always put others first, if your needs are never being met, there can be some serious consequences like anxiety, burnout, low esteem, and depression. My approach to addressing people-pleasing in therapy is to figure out why you feel the urge always to say “yes,” seek approval & external validation, or avoid conflict, even when it doesn't align with your true desires.
In therapy, we will dive into understanding the roots of people-pleasing—whether it stems from childhood experiences, cultural expectations, or personal beliefs about self-worth. Through internal exploration, I can help you implement culturally appropriate boundaries, assertiveness skills, and self-care practices. The goal isn't to stop caring about others but to find a balance where your needs and desires are equally valued. Through therapy together, you can feel more empowered to cultivate authenticity, confidence, and a stronger sense of self, leading to more fulfilling relationships and a happier, more balanced life.
Anxiety & Stress
There is a lot for millennials to be stressed about these days, but when stress and anxiety feel like they are taking over your life, it is time to reach out for help. In therapy, we start first by understanding the root causes of these overwhelming feelings. Whether it's triggered by work pressures, relationship challenges, health concerns, or everyday uncertainties, I can help you process these concerns and the underlying beliefs that may be keeping you feeling stuck and helpless. And sometimes, the things we are doing to manage our anxiety are actually making it worse over time, so developing more effective coping strategies is key.
My goal is to empower you to approach your anxiety and stress instead of avoiding it, build resilience, and improve your confidence along the way. Ultimately, I hope you feel more equipped to navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease and confidence.
Complex Trauma
Approaching complex trauma in therapy involves recognizing and addressing the deep, multifaceted impacts of prolonged and repeated traumatic experiences on an individual's life. Unlike single-incident traumas, complex trauma often stems from ongoing abuse, neglect, or exposure to multiple traumatic events over time, typically during childhood.
Experiencing complex trauma can profoundly impact every aspect of a person's life. It often involves a persistent sense of fear, helplessness, and betrayal that can erode trust in oneself and others. Individuals with complex trauma may struggle with intense emotions such as shame, guilt, anger, and sadness, which can be overwhelming and difficult to manage.
Living with complex trauma can create a pervasive sense of disconnection from oneself and others, leading to feelings of isolation and an impaired sense of identity. These experiences can profoundly influence how individuals perceive themselves, interpret the world, and navigate their daily lives.
In therapy, addressing complex trauma involves gently unpacking these layers of pain and disruption, helping clients to gradually process and integrate their experiences. I work collaboratively with clients to build resilience, restore a sense of safety and trust, and foster healing and recovery. Through compassionate exploration and evidence-based interventions, I support clients in reclaiming their lives and moving toward a future characterized by greater stability, connection, and empowerment.
Relational Issues
When millennials step into couples therapy, it's about navigating the unique dynamics of this generation’s relationships. Whether it's juggling career ambitions, dealing with the pressures of social media, or adjusting to evolving gender roles, I can provide a supportive space to work through these issues together. I work with couples by helping them explore their strengths, address conflicts constructively through building better communication skills, and build deeper intimacy.
Together, we will focus on addressing defenses, understanding each other's perspectives, and developing practical skills to strengthen your relationship. By unpacking influences from upbringing, cultural shifts, and personal values, I aim to empower millennial couples to cultivate fulfilling partnerships that thrive in today's fast-paced world and can navigate conflict in more adaptable ways.
Avoidant Attachment
Attachment is a hot topic for millennials, and for good reason, as it refers to how our early relationships impact us now. When helping people with their attachment styles, I’m looking at how those early relationships shape how we handle intimacy, closeness, and emotions later on. If you've got an avoidant attachment style, you might find yourself keeping people at arm's length, downplaying emotions, and feeling uneasy about relying on others.
In therapy, it's all about creating a safe space to unpack these patterns without any pressure. As your psychologist, I am here to provide that safe space, to listen without judgment, and to help you explore why you might shy away from closeness and how it all ties back to your childhood experiences. The goal is to help you see how those old habits might be getting in the way of forming deep, satisfying connections now.
I will encourage you to reflect on your past with caregivers, pinpoint what triggers your avoidance, and practice new ways of opening up. Gradually, you can start to build more secure attachments, feel more comfortable expressing your feelings, and foster healthier relationships where trust and closeness can grow naturally.
Transitional Issues
Transitional issues are periods of significant change like starting a new job, going through a breakup, or moving to a new place. transitions can stir up a mix of emotions, uncertainty, and stress, often in unexpected ways. As many millennials well know, there are welcome changes and unwelcome ones. Throughout the therapy journey together, you can unpack all the feelings that come with either change—whether it's excitement, nerves, or confusion. I aim to help you figure out your strengths, find ways to cope, and discover what you really want from the new chapter in your life.
Together, we will reflect and try out a few exercises to boost your confidence and handle the ups and downs of transition. The goal? To help you grow, feel more grounded, and move forward with a clearer sense of where you're headed next.