What is most personal is most universal.

NeuroAffective Touch® is a psychobiological approach that integrates the key elements of somatic psychotherapy, attachment and developmental theory, and interpersonal neurobiology. This modality, created by Dr. Aline LaPierre, uses intentional, mindful touch to bring the unconscious memories held in the body into conscious awareness.

Inviting the mind to collaborate as an active partner, while engaging the body on its own terms, is the heart of NeuroAffective Touch®.  By paying attention to specific layers of the body— skin, connective tissue, muscle, nervous system, organs— I can attune to and assist you in becoming consciously present to your mind-body relationship. 

NeuroAffective Touch® helps repair complex & developmental trauma by offering fundamental, missing, nonverbal experiences of connection, support, attunement, and nurturing. Our sessions help build a mind-body connection to physical sensations of trust and comfort that generate new ways of thinking, feeling and being.

Somatic Experiencing (SE™) is the life work of Peter Levine. It aims to resolve symptoms of stress, shock, and trauma. From an SE™ lens, trauma-healing is focused on how the effects show up in the nervous system and how that dysregulation impacts life and relationships. 

The Somatic Experiencing™ method works to release this stored energy that trauma has created, and turn off the threat alarms that cause dysregulation, dissociation and disconnection. 

With this work, I guide you to develop increasing tolerance for difficult bodily sensations and suppressed emotions, followed by allowing you to complete defensive responses (such as fighting, protecting, fleeing, etc) that had previously been thwarted. 

Gestalt therapy emphasizes the interconnectedness of an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors-- as well as their place in the world. The term ‘gestalt’ is a German word, meaning whole or form. Within this framework, there is a dedication to understanding your experience contextually- which includes the immediate situation, as well as the broader social and cultural dimensions that influence us all.

There are 6 core principles that capture the essence and make up the foundation of a Relational Gestalt therapist: aware, present, receptive, choiceful, situated, and engaged. These core principles communicate my style and commitment to being a collaborative, relational and experiential partner in your journey. 

The true goal of therapy- beyond the cessation of symptoms- is to be engaged in your life, relationships and the world. What Relational Gestalt therapy does is support more than just individual who attends sessions; we build capacity for community and connection so that ripple effects of your growing self can be felt beyond the therapy room. 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed by the late Francine Shapiro. Dr. Shapiro discovered a connection between eye movement and persistent upsetting memories. With this personal insight, she began a lifelong study and development of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. 

EMDR is a form of body & mind treatment that is designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Using guided "bilateral stimulation"—such as side-to-side eye movements—EMDR helps the brain safely reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity. My hope is to facilitate shifts in insight-- changes in images, feelings, or beliefs regarding the offending event. 

For many clients, EMDR is an adjunctive service alongside their standard therapy- either with the same or a new therapist. I am happy to coordinate EMDR therapy with your therapist should you already by established with a provider. My training and affiliation is with the international association EMDRIA™.

A fulfilling sexual expression and acceptance of your sexual self is a key component to a healthy life. As a sex-positive therapist, I prioritize non-judgment, inclusivity, and open communication about diverse sexual desires, orientations, and practices. 

I strive to create a safe environment to explore sex & sexual identities without shame or guilt, fostering a sense of acceptance and empowerment in your sexual expression. This includes: 

• Increasing comfort and awareness of sexuality and sexual experiences
• Validating sexuality as a core aspect of the human experience
• Supporting you as you navigate various influences on sex & sexuality 
• Empowering you to express your sexuality while also respecting your own and other’s sexual rights 
• Healing from distressing or traumatic events that may impact your relationship to sex, sexual identity, or pleasure

My training was completed with Melissa Fritchle, LMFT who is a member of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. 

People living through and with a history of trauma are first disconnected from mind and body as a means of survival. You aren't meant to stay in survival mode, but for so many really good reasons, sometimes you find yourself stuck there. You've done nothing wrong if this is where you find yourself. It's ok to be there, and to look around to see if its safe enough to try something else. 

Trauma healing is a measured reconnection to ourselves, rejoining body and mind, taking steps toward conscious embodiment. From embodiment comes the return of the midline, to proprioception, to sensing our yourself in time and place, and finally to renegotiate safety and relationships. 

One of the ways I have learned to do this is through my yoga practice. 

I have a 25+ year yoga practice and am a trained yoga teacher in the art of Hatha yoga, Yin yoga and Restorative yoga. In Sanskrit the word yoga stems from the root yuj - meaning to yoke or to join. It also means union. 

For trauma healing, a guided, skillful, and patient practice can be a way to join the parts of you that have been disconnected. And is especially helpful when you have a guide with you along the way. Please inquire about 1:1 sessions tailored to your unique needs and experience.