Our relationships with others profoundly shape who we are and influence our sense of self-worth. Patterns that contribute to present-day emotional pain often originate in early relationships, especially when our needs for safety, attunement, and authenticity were not fully met. What’s encouraging is that these patterns can re-emerge in the therapeutic relationship, but create meaningful opportunities for healing and change. My approach focuses on strengthening emotional connection (both with oneself and with others) by helping clients understand, regulate, and respond to their emotional needs more effectively.

Relational Therapy -

Relational therapy is grounded in the belief that meaningful relationships are one of the most powerful catalysts for healing and personal growth. This approach views psychological distress as often arising from disconnection, isolation, and unhealthy relational patterns that have been internalized over time. Healing occurs through authentic connection, increased self-awareness, and the experience of safe, supportive relationships.

The goal of relational therapy is to help individuals develop healthier ways of understanding themselves and relating to others. I offer a strong therapeutic relationship that will serve as the foundation for this work, offering a model for trust, communication, and emotional safety that can act as an example for relationships outside of therapy. Through this process, clients can identify long-standing beliefs and patterns that influence how they connect with themselves and the people around them.

Relational therapy may benefit individuals experiencing distress in family, romantic, professional, or social relationships. It can be especially helpful for those struggling with the effects of early relational wounds, attachment injuries, or childhood trauma, as the approach emphasizes connection, attachment repair, and relational stability. Clients experiencing complex trauma (C-PTSD), personality disorders, and chronic depression or anxiety associated with loneliness or self-criticism, and ongoing relational challenges may find this approach particularly supportive.

Emotionally Focused Therapy -

Many of us grow up in environments where emotions are rarely discussed, acknowledged, or met with care and understanding. As a result, it’s common to develop a confusing or painful relationship with our emotional experiences. Instead of offering guidance and insight, emotions can begin to feel overwhelming, uncomfortable, or something to avoid altogether.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, is based on the understanding that when core emotional needs go unmet, we often learn to suppress emotions or respond to them in ways that don’t serve us well. In therapy, the goal is not to eliminate emotions, but to help you understand them, make sense of what they are signaling, and learn how to respond to them in healthier, more effective ways.

Emotions are not random or irrational! They help us recognize our needs, understand patterns, and guide us toward meaningful change. When emotions are approached with curiosity rather than avoidance or judgment, they become valuable sources of information rather than something to fear or control. Over time, this shift can help reshape how the brain responds to emotional experience - even in moments of distress! Emotions can inform us while our values, goals, and intentions guide us.

EFT supports healing from emotional neglect, abuse, or early experiences of abandonment. It may be especially supportive if you struggle to understand your emotions, question their validity, or feel stuck in relationship patterns. EFT can help you develop new ways of responding that support healthier outcomes in both your inner world and your relationships.