Not everyone is on the same journey with their body. Valuing your body in its present state, changing your relationship with food, or feeling at home in your body might all be valid goals. Over time, language has been re-coded many times to try and deny the marginalization of larger bodies. Whatever your goal, it is important to understand that fatphobia is rooted in racism, capitalism, religious oppression, and eugenics. Some of the concepts that I use to help you along your journey include body liberation, body neutrality, fat acceptance, and fat positivity.

It is deeply important to me to offer affirmative counseling that values your unique journey on the gender and sexuality spectrum. My approach to working with people in the queer community focuses on understanding the role that transphobia, homophobia, and heterosexism plays in your life. Together, I hope we can look for ways to connect you with a rich and vibrant community that celebrates who you are. Of course, trauma-informed care and behavioral strategies are a part of this work. But the bottom line is that I want to help you feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Depression and Anxiety are among the most common mental health concerns. They have long been considered “the common cold” of mental illness, but factors such as the pandemic, poverty, racial injustice, and other social determinants of health have increased the risk. Worldwide, depression is the leading cause of disability and some data suggests that it could be as prevalent as 1 in 4 American adults meeting criteria for clinical depression. The good news is that depression and anxiety are both very responsive to care. You don’t have to carry the weight of depression and anxiety alone.

From the moment we are born, the care we receive impacts the way we relate to others, which in turn often impacts the way we relate to ourselves. Our ability to attune to emotions in ourselves and others, our willingness to approach and resolve conflicts, and our ability to trust and receive care are all rooted in the way we learned to navigate relationships. Relationship stress is a common concern for many people in counseling. Talking about your relationships in counseling is not about “airing your dirty laundry”. It’s a safe place to focus on building the relationship you want with your loved ones.