Many years of experience outside the walls of a private practice office have shown me that mutual realness, trust, and meaningful connection in therapy are incredibly powerful tools for growth and healing. I use a mix of therapeutic approaches and perspectives to achieve that in my work with clients. -- Relational psychodynamic therapy. My counseling approach is informed by relational psychodynamic therapy. This framework is supported by many years of research in psychology, interpersonal neurobiology, and relational science. Relational work is collaborative and encourages both of us to show up authentically in session. We'll focus on building a genuine, trusting therapeutic relationship—a space where you feel safe and supported enough to show up as your full self, reflect, explore, experiment, make mistakes, learn, heal, and grow. We'll consider how your past relationships and life circumstances have influenced you. The sessions are a safer space to gain insight on yourself and patterns in your life that have left you feeling stuck, and to experiment with new ways of communicating and relating. -- Trauma-informed. My specialist knowledge of trauma shapes the way I view your experiences and specific needs, and the techniques and interventions I use to support you. It means I prioritize creating a safe and collaborative environment in session, with transparency and respect for your boundaries. -- Integrative. I also integrate insight and interventions from other therapeutic approaches and theories, depending on your needs and personality. I most often draw on humanistic therapy, somatic work (mind-body connection), "parts work", and psychoeducation. -- Affirming. My approach is affirming of your diverse identities and life experiences, from gender and sexuality to neurodiversity and kink. Many clinicians talk about being queer-affirming, trans-affirming, neuro-affirming, kink-affirming, and sex-positive—but what does it actually mean? To me, being affirming is an active process. It's recognizing, accepting, and respecting my clients' identities and lifestyles. It's also acknowledging systemic injustices, pathologizing, and erasure. And it involves actively working to create an inviting, supportive space for them to be their full selves without judgment while gently dismantling internalized shame and stigma. -- Holistic & strengths-based. I regard each person holistically and see not just you, but also your environment. Your psychological wellbeing is not just about emotions—it's connected to your physical wellness, your social circumstances, your cultural identities, finances, basic needs, oppressions or discrimination, and the laws and policies governing you. With this in mind, my work is strengths-based and resource-activating. We'll examine the strengths and wisdom you already have, figure out the gaps, and identify real resources to add to your mental health toolbox. -- Lived experience. Queer, neurodivergent (AuDHD), goth, alternative lifestyles and relationship practices—I connect personally with many identities and communities (you might connect with some of these, too!) and the experiences and perspectives I've gained have enriched my professional work as well. I won't share every detail about myself, but I will show up more fully and directly than old-school therapists or analysts. Overall, I aim for the therapy space to be a comfortable, safer-feeling space where you feel able to show up in all your complexity and messiness—a space for deep talks and lighter ones, agreeing *and* disagreeing, working through ruptures, and experiencing what it's like to be unconditionally accepted and valued. It is important to me to meet you where you're at in your journey and in any given session. I warmly welcome ugly feelings, ugly language, ugly-crying, and bad hair days. The important thing is showing up.

I've been in the business of helping people since 2010. Through my work in clinical and social work, sexual health, and community advocacy, I've helped hundreds of people move from inner chaos and uncertainty to clarity, confidence, connection, and liberation. People I've worked with have shared feeling: - More clarity on their problems and possible solutions - Greater self-acceptance, pride in their identities - More confident and secure in their lives and relationships - More able to voice their wants and needs - More stable & able to safely handle deep sadness, stress, anxiety - More able to ask for help and to receive care - Deeply understood, calmer, happier, "better" Here's an overview of my professional experience and the communities I've served: 2025-present - Private practice 2024-2025 - Trauma-focused social work & intensive 1:1 support program 2017-2021 - Psychotherapy, counseling & crisis intervention 2015-2016 - Clinical placement: Individual/group psychotherapy, counseling, crisis intervention 2014-15 - Clinical placement: Group psychotherapy, individual counseling 2014-2020 - Program support for immigrant advocacy nonprofit 2013-2014 - Sex education, advocacy, sexual health counseling 2010-2012 - Sexuality education, community organizing My lived experience has deeply informed my work as well. I'm a migrant, queer, neurodivergent, with working-class roots and personal experience with alternative lifestyles and relationship models—and a therapy client myself.

I have a clinical master's degree, clinical licensure in the U.S., years of supervised experiential training and postgraduate work, and nearly a decade of psychological work experience—as well as professional development in mental health, sexual health, group work and education. Here's an overview of my professional qualifications, including my formal academic degrees and licensure/accreditation: 2025 - Clinical social work licensure in Connecticut (USA) (License # 15933) 2024 - State recognition as social worker (Germany) 2021-2023 - Clinical social work licensure in Massachusetts (USA) 2017-2021 - Certified social work licensure in Massachusetts (USA) 2014-2016 - Master of Social Work, Clinical Social Work - Smith College School for Social Work (Northampton, MA, USA) 2006-2010 - Bachelor of Arts, Sociology - Amherst College (Amherst, MA, USA)