My Philosophy & Approach
My name is Virginia (she/they) and my passion is helping individuals realize their dreams and their potential. Within all of us lies the answer that will guide us to this goal. My job is to uncover the path and help you along it. Much of my approach is drawn from psychodynamic theory, and the belief that the relationship between counselor and client is in and of itself a tool that helps us navigate and redefine relational patterns that have become engrained.
Through a more focused therapeutic lens, I am inspired by existential theory, attachment theory, coherence therapy (CT), and emotion-focused therapy (EFT). While so much of our past has impacted our present, I maintain that the human spirit is indomitable. Through therapy and committed action, so much is possible.
I hold an immovable belief that therapy is political, as we are all deeply interconnected and profoundly affected by the political landscapes that are rapidly changing around us. For that reason, I am also inspired by feminist theory and its emphasis on empowering individuals through advocacy and social action. You can learn more about these theories and modalities below.
Theories & Modalities
So much of our mind lies hidden in the unconscious. Through this framework, the therapist evokes introspection into desires and motivations that drive unconsciouis behaviors and emotional responses. Together, we can uncover deeper wounds, and develop stronger self-awareness to what drives us.
Our earliest bonds and attachments impact how we relate to and interact with the world. What figures in your current life mirror your earliest caregiver, and how does that create conflict for you? While early attachments can influence relational dynamics in the present, they do not determine our future. We are dynamic and ever-changing.
Despite the impacts of what happened to us, we are responsible for finding and making meaning in all of it. By accepting the inevitable realities of life, we can craft our own way in the world, identifying and defining our values and taking responsibility for our choices. This here-and-now approach will help you come to terms with the "problems of living" - Thomas Szasz.
The personal is political, and all of our struggles are connected and interwoven with one another's. It is through this framework we can build self-efficacy and empowerment in a world that often makes us feel helpless and hopeless. We will explore systemic power imbalances, how to navigate systems, engage in self-advocacy, and commit to social change.
Human beings are incredibly adaptive, and we will adapt our emotional and behavioral responses according to our mental models of reality. Symptoms are not irrational pathologies, but coherent adaptations. But when the threats of our past are no longer a present part of our experience, we can use experiential techniques to unlock the emotional brain and reconsolidate memories, replacing the original, distressing belief with the new, preferred schema.
Rooted in attachment theory, this modality focuses on interpersonal, relational dynamics to support
transformative growth and development of more secure attachments. It promotes emotional awareness and explores how emotions influence thoughts, behaviors, and relational patterns.
Completely changing your thoughts and cognitions may not be the answer to resolving your distress. In many ways, we have developed mechanisms to think this way to help protect ourselves. My hope is to reduce the conflict you have with your thoughts, and accept them for what they are. Together, we can identify what is important to you, and commit to values and actions that bring your life meaning.
Inspired by CBT and Zen Buddhism, this modality helps to treat and temper emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviors, low distress tolerance, interpersonal challenges, and build real-world coping skills that help you navigate hurdles as they appear. If you struggle with black and white thinking, this may be the modality for you!