Welcome to Above the Tides Counseling

Starting therapy is a courageous step and I commend you for taking it.

Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety stress or past experiences weigh you down but you do not have to navigate it alone. My goal is to provide a supportive nonjudgmental space where you can explore your emotions gain clarity and develop practical strategies to create the life you want. I practice from a relational perspective draw on a background in addiction therapy to work through ambivalence and offer challenge when it is needed and I take an eclectic approach selecting techniques that fit you best.

I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQIA+ clients, women navigating life transitions and those seeking personal growth self compassion and healing. I also offer self pay bariatric psychological evaluations for surgery clearance and post op support.

My Approach to Therapy

Therapy should be tailored to fit you. I take a collaborative strengths based approach that prioritizes your unique needs values and goals. I am eclectic in my practice integrating evidence based therapies with a person centered foundation to ensure you feel heard validated and empowered.

I incorporate:

• Polyvagal Theory Informed Interventions
I help you tune into and regulate your nervous system build a sense of safety in the body and foster resilience through gentle attunement to your physiological state

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT
Together we identify unhelpful thought patterns examine evidence for and against them and develop more balanced ways of thinking

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy DBT
We build skills in emotional regulation distress tolerance interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness to help you navigate strong emotions

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT
You learn to notice thoughts and feelings without judgment clarify your values and take committed action toward a life that matters to you

• Mindfulness Based Techniques
Through simple practices in session and between sessions you cultivate present moment awareness reduce stress and increase self compassion

• Solution Focused Therapy SFT
We focus on your strengths resources and past successes to co create concrete strategies and small steps that move you quickly toward your goals

I also recognize that structured modalities are not right for everyone. That is why I offer flexible insight driven therapy designed to meet you exactly where you are. Whether we are addressing past trauma building coping skills or strengthening your self esteem our work will focus on creating a path forward that aligns with your goals and inner strengths.

Who I Help

Do you struggle with self doubt burnout or feeling disconnected from yourself? Whether you are managing ADHD anxiety grief or the emotional weight of past experiences I am here to support you.

I specialize in working with
• Neurodivergent individuals ADHD OCD learning differences masking recovery
• LGBTQIA+ clients seeking affirming inclusive care
• Women’s mental health and life transitions grief loss self compassion
• High intensity professionals military first responders medical legal education
• Survivors of trauma childhood religious narcissistic abuse
• Clients facing stress anxiety self worth or emotional regulation challenges

I believe neurodivergence is not a disorder to be fixed but a natural variation of the human mind. As a neurodivergent clinician myself I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to the work. I understand the challenges of navigating systems that were not built for our brains and the creativity resilience and strengths that come with thinking differently. My space is fully non pathologizing where you can be your authentic self without masking.

While traditional evidence based treatments have value many were not designed with neurodivergent people in mind and can unintentionally reinforce shame or unrealistic expectations. That is why I blend structured methods with flexibility compassion and creativity. I draw from holistic practices nervous system regulation and the Living in Balance model to support the whole person mind body and spirit. Therapy with me is not about fixing you but about building a life that works for your brain not against it.

How I Communicate

I prioritize clear open communication and create a safe affirming space for you to express yourself. My style is warm direct and collaborative I balance deep reflective conversation with actionable strategies. I practice active listening and will gently challenge you when needed to help you grow. My intention is for you to leave each session feeling heard validated and equipped with practical tools to support your everyday life.

What to Expect in Our First Session

Our first session is a chance for us to get to know one another and set the tone for our work together. We will discuss what brings you to therapy any current concerns or goals and your background. If you are unsure where to start that is completely okay I will guide the conversation at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for how I work. My priority is that you leave feeling supported and understood right from the beginning.

Whether you come with specific objectives or need space to explore what you want we will adjust as needed and make sure your goals remain relevant. Therapy is a partnership and real change happens when you are ready to engage in the work with openness and intention. I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey.