Blog

As an adjunct professor, I'm getting prepared for my SFBT course for the summer term. When I tell people I teach the SFBT social work course at the University of Denver, I usually get a good laugh. And I love that! I feel so seen as a psychodynamic, relational trauma-therapist. I’m specifically referencing the word, … Continue reading Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Let’s face it: Complex Trauma (cPTSD) lends itself to more immediate understanding and validation than the term “personality disorder.” The term “borderline” has also been used as a derogatory adjective, mostly by mental health professionals, and is often misunderstood by clients to mean that one has multiple personalities by “bordering” on one personality versus another. … Continue reading BPD is complex trauma

This season, I'm working especially diligently to embrace the power of "wintering", which also means harnessing that which we identify and feel as darkness. Sometimes circumstances create the (unwelcome) invitation and at other times, the season of winter provides a variety of metaphors to appreciate what stillness has to offer. If we're really lucky (can … Continue reading The deepening darkness

Before a deep reset, I've just put together a couple events for my clients to help us transition into a new year. At times, I will facilitate a group therapy series for some of my folx, but this time was feeling called to create two separate, very special offerings! I'll be collaborating with two friends … Continue reading Group offerings

There’s a big need out there. I love providing consultation to clinicians wanting support around all kinds of cPTSD expressions, but it's not enough. Trauma and addiction symptoms are complicated and often survivors in the midst need a point person. A (wo)man with a plan. Struggling and feeling directionless while also trying to seek help … Continue reading cPTSD assessments

If you know, you know. Internal Family Systems (IFS) has blown up over the last few years even though we just celebrated the 40th anniversary of the model! There are grumblings around the difficult enrollment process inherent in Level 1 and Level 2 trainings as well as the high price point. I share the sentiments, … Continue reading PRO-TIP for IFS therapists (and those wanting to be)

This post is for clinicians that want to lean into the work of disordered eating, but have been scared away from doing so by traditional training models. There is a longstanding stance that a client’s eating disorder can worsen in progression when working with a professional without formal eating disorder training. While that is incredibly … Continue reading Disordered eating is a “WE” problem

I usually talk with my clients about other services that can be helpful to our work, often deemed as alternatives to traditional psychotherapy and psychiatric care. It’s an important conversation that requires strong caution toward the fact that right now, it’s like the wild west out here. We’ve got a surge of opportunities that are … Continue reading Culty culture

I am indebted to a string of professors, supervisors, colleagues, and mentors that have profoundly shaped my academic and professional career. I was fortunate enough to enter the field as an undergrad because my university had a specific social work program that included a clinical field practicum. I adored my professors, all with a wealth of … Continue reading A tribute to the elders

The youngest and most innocent members of our society are facing a cruel and vicious cycle of collective trauma at the hands of violence that will cause deep scarring, with emotional and psychological ramifications that persist throughout the lifespan. Mental illness, drug addiction, incarceration, social isolation, self harm and further violence are familiar outcomes for … Continue reading PSA