(Eye-eeks-uh Don-ez)

Well hello there! Are we scratching off that New Year’s resolution of “going to therapy?” Whether this decision has been years in the making or is a brave leap into something new, know that you’ve taken the first step in self-love and self-care. Whether this decision has been years in the making or is a brave leap into something new, know that you’ve taken the first step in self-love and self-care.

Therapy with me centers around being human first: we are two people coming to talk and just be together. In my work, I often use 'we' and 'our' language to emphasize that the therapeutic process is a shared journey, one we undertake together rather than alone. Now, what does that look like? A typical session would involve us revisiting our experiences and the stories we tell ourselves, giving ourselves permission to speak freely—without filters or guilt—about our emotions and thoughts that may have been dismissed in the past. We work together to dismantle phrases like 'be the bigger person,' 'family is family,' and 'sweep it under the rug,' so that they no longer shame our experiences or invalidate our emotions. This process helps us build the skills to name and understand these experiences in a healthier way. We can learn to accept what has happened, and we let go of the perceived need to forgive for the sake of others' comfort. It is time we place ourselves first.

Finding a new therapist can feel awkward at first, and all of this is normal. Let us celebrate that you took the time and energy to seek someone for guidance and support! I would love to be that companion with you on your budding journey to authenticity, wholeness, and happiness!

Social media & its effect on sense of self & relationships:

Healing is never linear, no matter how much social media presents it to be. Therapy has been portrayed in many formats - through film, TV shows, and especially TikTok. However, the true power of therapy lies in what we create together. In these difficult times, I understand the stress, fear, and uncertainty that come with how people behave differently online compared to how you know them in real life. Despite any discomfort, know that it is your mind, body, and inner child calling to you for help and seeking change. We can unpack this together.

Fun Facts:

To break some of the ice, I would love to know a fun fact about you! This can be something you love to do as self care, a favorite TV show or movie, a hobby you have, or a book/series. My self-care involves painting in traditional and digital mediums, going to the gym (after years of avoiding it - big win!), and shopping. My favorite TV show is Arcane, and my favorite underrated anime is Revolutionary Girl Utena. I look forward to learning more about you!

Experience

As a trauma-focused therapist, I’ll work with you to explore the sources of your ailments and challenges. I understand the shame and confusion that occurs when you experience such symptoms with zero guidance or support to help ease them. In these difficult times, I also understand the stress, fear, and uncertainty of how those around you behave differently online compared to how you know them in real life. We can unpack it. Despite the uncomfortable feelings, know that it is your mind, body, and inner child calling to you for help and wanting to change. As a strengths-based therapist, I utilize Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Shadow Work. I specialize in supporting queer, BIPOC communities with interrupting generational trauma, unhealthy behaviors and patterns, finding autonomy in yourself as the “adult-child” of a Black or Brown parent, relationship exploration, and codependency/cultural codependency experiences.

Licensure

As a Clinical Fellow, I am gaining the necessary experience and supervision to obtain my clinical license (LCPC). I am working under the supervision of Brooke Blankenship, LCPC.