Yes and no. You are seeking therapy to overcome problems, and some change is a part of the process as we move towards your goals. At the same time, I believe the core of who you are is essential to preserve and nurture in therapy.

I work to tailor suggestions according to what I know of you, but if a suggestion feels off then we would figure out something else. I follow a motivational interviewing approach. This means that I trust that your natural motivation to become healthier will drive topics and depth of therapy, and my job is to help uncover and build that motivation. I will not insist that you talk about something or try a new coping strategy if you are feeling resistant. I will not guilt-trip you for behaviors such as using substances, disordered eating, or engaging in a hurtful relationship.

If I don’t have much experience with your concerns or I am not a good interpersonal fit with you, I can refer you to someone who is a better match.

I love working with people of all gender identities. What I mean by feminist therapy is that I view you as the driver in your life and in therapy, and we are equal collaborators for your care.

My focus of substance abuse treatment ranges from use reduction to abstinence, depending on what works best for each person. To reduce use, I would work with a you to assess patterns, identify potential changes, explore healthier ways to cope and spend time, and find ways to navigate relationships with friends and family members who use. I promote harm-reduction through considering ways to minimize risks to you and your relationships while using alcohol or other substances.

I support size acceptance and believe that health comes in diverse shapes and sizes rather than a particular BMI or muscle mass. My focus of treatment is on promoting healthy behaviors through intuitive eating and increasing mindful connection with body, food, and exercise.

Some of the interventions I use to help people live healthier lives include providing information about and exploring:

• how personal relationships can help or hinder change
• how your body reacts to continued alcohol and other drug abuse and disordered eating and exercise
• evidence-based strategies to reduce substance use and disordered eating/exercise and improve overall mental health
• how all of these factors contribute to maintaining sobriety and intuitive eating

Based on your interest, I can also make referrals to medical doctors and nutritionists who are trained in these concerns and collaborate with such providers for your care.

I am an interpersonal process therapist, which means I consider human relationships to be at the center of mental health. When you decide to work with me, a part of your therapy will focus on your relationship patterns and how they affect your well-being.