I've thought about calling myself a "stubborn generalist" because I'm terrible at identifying a niche for my work.

My first therapeutic role was at a university health center, and from day one, I learned to work with whoever walked through the door. Social anxiety? Sure. Relationship issues? Got you covered. Gender identity questions? Yes. 

Initially, I was terrified. No kidding. I couldn't sleep. I got a mouth guard to use at night because I was gritting my teeth so hard, I was cracking them.

More than a decade later, I love it. I love that people ask for help and they let themselves be whole.  

It's pretty amazing to explore one thread in a client's life and find where it connects to another and another and to recognize the rich tapestry that makes up each person's background and dreams of what lies ahead. 

A close-up view of a natural surface featuring intricate, winding patterns created by dried mud and mineral deposits. The textures vary in depth, and the surface shines with a warm, golden hue, suggesting the presence of moisture or recent rain.

Wayfinding

In my free consultation calls with people who are exploring whether we're a good fit to work together, I often ask them, "If we work together, how will you know that you've gotten what you came for? What will have changed in your life as a result of our work together?"

Answers vary, of course, but people's responses tend to fall into a few categories: 

  • The image features water droplets cascading down, forming a dynamic spray. A small circle of water can be seen clearly in the chaotic splash, while the background is softly blurred, enhancing the focus on the droplets.

    GI Issues

    The gut-brain axis is a largely untapped source for relief from digestive ailments. Mercifully, clinical hypnosis has the same research benefit (~80% experience eased symptoms) as a Low FODMAP diet.

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  • A pair of soft gray knitted baby booties is placed beside a plush white bunny toy. The booties have a textured pattern and are designed for infants. The backdrop appears neutral and softly lit, contributing to a warm atmosphere.

    Infertility

    I walked this road >25 years ago, yet its impact on my life has been profound. I've worked with many people who have experienced perinatal loss, traumatic birth, infertility, and early parenting years.

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  • A dynamic image depicting a blurred night roadway, featuring prominent streaks of yellow and white light. The lights resemble the movement of vehicles, creating a sense of speed and urgency against a dark background.

    Career

    People come to me seeking support around career direction, job search, workplace toxicity, burnout, career sabbatical, and managing up.

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  • A traffic light hanging from wires displays a green signal, set against a backdrop of a blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

    ADHD

    I'm married to someone who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, and I've worked with college students and adults in claiming ADHD as a strength.

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A round wooden table is positioned in a cozy setting, surrounded by four black wooden chairs. The background features a rustic red brick wall, enhancing the warm atmosphere of the scene.

Emotional Eating

When food serves as a numbing mechanism, and it’s become a habit with tentacles.

Parentification

Taking on too much responsibility at a young age, developing an eerily attuned emotional GPS (while losing internal connection).

A close-up view of a rain-soaked window, displaying streaks of water running down the glass. The background features blurred outlines of greenery and soft, muted light, creating a serene, atmospheric effect that suggests a rainy day.

Ambiguous Grief

Loss, both overt such as the death of someone you love and loss that’s hard to pin down such as watching someone age (or aging yourself).

“I don’t know.” That’s what people sometimes tell me.

"I just want to feel better," they'll say. Or "My partner suggested I schedule time with you." That works.

It's not important what you call your pain or your worries. Soft-focused goals can lead to remarkable shifts. When we view ourselves as whole and in the context of our entire lives (it's a myth that coaching looks forward and therapy looks backwards - totally wrong!), we find insights and change and truth.

While I'm great at identifying the root cause of what's going on and equipping people with tools to support their desired changes, I'm not very strong when it comes to diagnoses, medication management, and acute needs. If you're seeking support in these areas, take a look at Psychology Today's directory to find someone who is better trained to give you what you need and want.