It can be incredibly exhausting to always be the one having to figure everything out, on your own

As a therapist working with young adults and adults experiencing the unique challenges of balancing addiction and chronic/terminal illnesses, I know, both personally and professionally, what it is like to carry intense social anxiety not just from living with a physical disability but also from figuring out what it means to be gay. It took the support of my community to help me step fully into myself and continue to do so more and more each day. 
Therapy with me strives to help you move from, “I’ll just figure it out on my own” to “let’s come up with a plan, see who can help, and get this figured out, together.”

This requires me, as your therapist, to learn the many strengths you bring already. I also will learn to understand the ways your uniqueness and all the parts that make up who you are impact the relationships you have with yourself and those you love and care about.  Therapy with me is a space where your experiences and stories are not only welcomed, but essential. I use humor, empathy, and truly believe working together with you will help you build confidence and gain the necessary skills to navigate day to day life.

Along with learning your strengths, It is important for me as therapist to understand the impacts of holding a disability, chronic illness, or terminal illness alongside substance misuse and addiction. In our work, It is not my job to place more judgement and create shame because of the cycles and patterns that occur with these unique experiences. It instead is my role to work through the challenges alongside you. Working to not only build coping mechanisms and strategies for consistent change, but also gain long term strategies and support systems that aid your lived experiences. It’s not about fixing, Its about continually adapting.