Why I became a therapist

When I was a teenager, I really struggled. I didn’t know how to cope with trauma, my sensitivity, or all the intense emotions and anxieties that I was experiencing. Like so many people who are hurting, I sought therapy. Unfortunately, my early experiences in therapy were, to put it mildly, not great. I felt like the mental health system was based on pathologizing and disempowering people. There was no room for people’s inherent wisdom, for diverse paths to healing, or for normalizing how difficult this human experience can be.

My early experiences in therapy became a catalyst for a lifelong journey of healing, learning, and supporting others on their own paths. I wanted to become a therapist so that I could be a part of a systemic change where therapy is grounded in humanity, spirit, and empowerment.

In 2006, I began making concrete steps towards becoming a therapist. I went from a goth high school dropout to starting community college and soon became a certified rape crisis counselor. Since then, I have had many positive, transformative, and healing experiences in my own therapy. I have also had the honor of supporting hundreds of people in their healing in my role as a therapist. I have seen people flourish, embrace their sensuality, and have deep, meaningful relationship changes. Therapy can be powerful. It can be healing and profound, but it can also be hurtful when it is rooted in pathologization and a one-size-fits-all approach. I hold this awareness when working with people and truly feel honored to be able to support others on their path.