Somatic Therapists in Lakewood, WA

I am a white, neurodivergent, pansexual, cismale, and 3rd generation Italian-North European immigrant living on Puyallup / Steilacoom lands (Fircrest, WA) but born and raised in Očhéthi Šakówiŋ / Wahpekute lands (Minneapolis, MN). I work from a place that acknowledges my own identity and privileges in effort to help clients address their own identity, struggles, and role in systems of oppression. I value activism and allyship including addressing political issues directly in my work, examining my own assumptions and blind spots, and working to always increase my awareness of oppression and systemic issues.

"Pain is important: how we evade it, how we succumb to it, how we deal with it, how we transcend it" - Audre Lorde. I hope to build healing relationships with people who would like to create more connection, ease and freedom in their lives. I work relationally and through the body by building self awareness, and doing standing and seated embodiment practices.

I am here to help provide support and welcoming space to individuals who might find themselves moving through the world at contrasting angles to the “accepted narrative” of our surroundings. This can often open the door up to feelings of depression, anxiety, heightened stress, and feelings of displacement & disillusionment. Ongoing life stressors and past trauma also impact how we go about engaging with the world. Learning new ways of coping and moving through life can be tricky - it's okay to reach out and ask for help!

I work with individuals ages 18+ to provide support for anxiety, trauma, relationships, and LGBTQ+ identities. I work from an anti-oppression and social justice oriented framework, and my work with clients often focuses on themes of personal agency and empowerment, shame resolution, and self-acceptance. I enjoy supporting clients with issues related to burnout, chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma to live more authentically in alignment with their values and to build stronger and more connective relationships with themselves and others.

Currently accepting new clients. I work with couples, polycules, new relationships, platonic life partners, families and groups. I am passionate about serving folks who are part of the LGBTQIA+ and poly/ethical non-monogamy communities. Living in a society that prioritizes profit over people and systematically privileges & oppresses based on identity takes a large toll. I believe therapy is a resource to help us navigate this world & be intentional about how we show up in ourselves and our relationships. My approach is to meet people where they are at and provide tools, resources, and practices to aid them in living authentically.

We are wired for relationship. It shapes us into who we are -- for better or for worse -- and yet also offers the healing we desperately desire. As your counselor, I am committed to you and to fostering an authentic, genuine relationship that allows for such healing to begin.

I have a history of working with many different types of people and concerns. I work best with people who are willing to do self-observation as that is the key to learning about your own thinking and feeling patterns, which is what we are trying to modify. I take a holistic approach and self-observation provides the basis for all of the other work. It is important to start noticing and working with the sensations in the body that accompany our thoughts and feelings, as our body holds the memories of everything we have ever experienced and is the vehicle in which we move and feel in the world.

We all need compassionate connection to grow and heal, and that is especially important in therapy. I provide a connection that is warm, yet intellectual, making sure to challenge your mind and heart for growth, support, and ultimately deeper relationships. I'm a good match for recovering perfectionists, women with ADHD/autism, anxiety concerns, depression, and those wanting support around chronic health conditions.

Have you been stressed from the current state of the world, covid, exacerbated racial trauma? Are you experiencing microagressions at work? Have you been in a funk that you just can't get out of? Have you experienced a recent loss? Or are you just looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation? If so you have found the right place. Perhaps old coping mechanisms aren't as effective and/or you seek a different unbiased perspective. Whatever the reason I would love to help guide you thru the path of self-discovery, awareness, and well-being. I can assist you in overcoming the challenges you are currently facing.

Are you feeling a little “off” lately? Down, anxious or unsure what comes next in life—especially after the last year or so? Perhaps relationships aren’t working out or problematic patterns you want to quit just keep popping up. Maybe you find yourself struggling with old wounds that need care and attention. Or it could be you just don’t feel like yourself and you’re not sure why.