Developed by psychoanalyst John Bowlby and later expanded by Mary Ainsworth, is a psychological framework that explains the profound importance of early emotional bonds between infants & their primary caregivers — what has been further identified as our Attachment Style.

Bowlby and Ainsworth’s contributions demonstrate that humans have an innate, evolutionary need to form these close bonds for survival and healthy social-emotional development. When this bond is not developed as such, we form disruptions in our primary Attachment Style.

Attachment Theory emphasizes the quality of our earliest relationships lay the foundation for our emotional well-being, how we view ourselves & others, and how we navigate relationships throughout our lives.

While early childhood experiences are crucial, attachment styles are not entirely fixed, and can be influenced & modified by later life experiences and relationships. We can always evolve and heal towards Secure — a passion I apply through an integrated Attachment Theory lens.

So often we fall into believing we have set boundaries for other people and then forget all about ourselves in the process. Does ‘wanting to keep the peace’ and ‘wearing many hats’ sound familiar? Or, do you isolate and keep others at a distance? Regardless if it’s the former or the latter, it’s dysfunctional and likely causing stress in your life. Healthy boundaries are about self-respect, self-care, clarifying expectations, and ensuring that our needs & wants are met – while balancing in respecting others as well.

Together, we will introspectively identify parts of your life that fall all along the spectrum — ranging from minimal improvements needed or experiencing intense emotional suffering.

It is then we can begin to set and maintain healthy boundaries through effective communication. Learning about your communication style is significant to this process — as it’s conveying information, ideas, feelings, & intentions to your inner and outer world; verbally and non-verbally. Naturally, I also integrate psychoeducation on Love Languages with my clients, as it is all intertwined.

In summary — Boundaries are the ‘what’ & communication is the ‘how.’ When implemented clearly & together, healthy boundaries are established. This leads to balanced relationships, reduced stress, & improved personal well-being. *Please note, you are not responsible for how someone accepts or exploits your boundaries — you are only responsible for relaying them intentionally.

Throughout my career I have worked with individuals who have all suffered from CPTSD, PTSD, or some form of trauma. Personally, I do not believe in “Big T & Little T” traumas. Rather, if it is causing distress and significant impairment in your life, you are surviving with the emotional pains of unresolved trauma.

Although the DSM-5-TR has yet to officially distinguish CPTSD from PTSD as different diagnoses, mental health professionals have contributed to expanding knowledge on this topic, as we are observing the different struggles each presents. This is important to notate because within these key differences are modifications to therapy approaches in effectively helping individuals to heal.

CPTSD is formed from prolonged, repeated, chronic trauma & presents with more symptoms that are in addition to the ‘PTSD core’. In short, these entail emotional dysregulation, negative self-concept, and interpersonal difficulties. While PTSD focuses on the direct impact of trauma, CPTSD expands to encompass the enduring effects of prolonged trauma on a person's core sense of self, their relationships, & ability to feel & regulate emotions.

I highly value my client’s subjective experiences & integrate this into treatment interventions that are specifically chosen and tailored for you.

You were not designed to carry this pain alone — let me help you unpack this, set it aside, and take a breath - finally. Together, we will begin healing these wounds so you can live a happier & more fulfilling quality of life.

Generational trauma refers to the psychological, emotional, & even biological effects of trauma experienced by one generation that can be passed down to the next. This can occur even if these later generations did not directly experience the original traumatic events. Until there is a ‘cycle breaker’, this echoes across the lifespan, families, & communities (becoming intergenerational trauma).

It is helpful to know which role(s) you played, or continue to play, within your family dynamics. Unresolved trauma in parents or caregivers can lead to dysfunctional coping mechanisms, emotional repression, difficulty with attachment, hypervigilance, and a general sense of fear or mistrust. As such, children then observe, absorb, and often internalize or repeat – restarting the trauma cycle for the next generation.

No, you’re not crazy!

Narcissistic abuse can come from parents, other family members, bosses, partners, anyone – it does not discriminate. This form of abuse involves several complex layers of different tactics from the abuser – in patterns of manipulation, gaslighting, belittling, and control – physically, emotionally, & financially (just to name a few). This can quickly destroy the identified victim’s self-esteem, reality, and emotional stability. The ‘brain fog’ can feel so thick you aren’t sure which way is up or down — lost in ever finding your escape.

There is hope. Recovering from narcissistic abuse is possible & You will evolve into a survivor.

True emotional recovery takes time, it won’t happen overnight. You are capable — progress, not perfection. Practice healing methods we discuss in therapy requires your mindful efforts, action-oriented steps, and deep exploration of reality. With this journey, you must allow self-compassion; stop the self-blaming & degrading statements. Nobody signs up to willingly experience the pain of a narcissist.

Tap back into reclaiming your power, voice, & identity by clearing the brain fog that has kept you blindly trapped—I am here to guide & support you every step of the way. I can’t wait for you to come out on the other side — having the ability to identify maladaptive character traits in others & believing you are worth more; preventing the fall into another photogenic trap designed by a narcissist. Discover your profound personal growth & the ability to build healthier more fulfilling relationships for your future — everything you deserve and more.

‘Resilient, bouncing back’ – a phrase that has become quite popular throughout the years. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with being resilient, I want to acknowledge another phrase: ‘bouncing forward’, or Post-Traumatic Growth.

This concept refers to the positive psychological change experienced as a result of struggling with highly challenging, stressful, and often traumatic life circumstances, events, and/or people.

It's not about denying the pain or distress of trauma, but rather acknowledging that alongside the suffering – you can emerge from adversity with an enhanced emotional, mental, and deeper appreciation for life. Knowledge is power & “the only way out, is through.”