I specialize in working with individuals living with disabilities, or chronic pain and illness. In our society, the barriers are innumerable for those living with visible or invisible disabilities. Many of us living with chronic pain or illness experience our struggles in a very personal and isolated way. At times, the socio-cultural effects of a disability/pain/illness are more difficult due to the stigma, lack of understanding, and lack of support resources available in our communities. In fact, even our closest loved ones at times do not "get it" or treat us differently out of pity or fear. 

I use tenets of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as teachings of mindfulness and somatic (body) oriented modalities in my work with clients experiencing disability/pain/chronic illness onset or progression. I also emphasize the mind-body connection in my work: knowing that what the body experiences, the mind does as well (and vice versa). Feelings of loss, grief, confusion, anger, frustration, hopelessness, a loss of direction, anxiety or fear are very common and very normal. In our work, we will cover many essential elements of your identity, experience and self-identified goals of therapy, including:

• Your history of disability or chronic pain/illness onset and progression
• The nature of your disability or chronic pain/illness as known both medically and intimately to you
• Whether you acquired your disability/illness/pain as an adult or child, or whether it/they were congenital 
• Your self-identified barriers and resources as an individual
• What your disability/illness/pain looks like within your relationships, family system, community and broader society
• What your fears and hopes are for today and the future
• What emotions you are experiencing and how they define you in the present moment
• Your experience navigating any medical care or treatment (including any frustrations with this)
• Your unique understanding of your experience and how/if this shapes your identity
• Your support systems (including therapy) and how to augment these if you prefer
• Discrimination and barriers you encounter as a result of your disability/pain/illness
• Accommodations or supports you may need or qualify for (determined through assessment).
• Support or empowerment organizations, groups or individuals you would benefit from connecting with locally.
• What self and social advocacy looks like for you
• Your aspirations and drive for a happy and fulfilling life
• Your experience with any caregivers
• Your experience in the workforce
• And more...

I look forward to hearing from you and to joining you on this journey of coping, persevering, growth and thriving.