Working With Me: The Ideas That Shape My Practice

Over the years, my work has been shaped by many approaches: psychological, philosophical, embodied, and intercultural. They each offer a slightly different doorway into understanding the human experience. None of them are “methods I apply to you,” but rather lenses that help me meet you with depth, nuance, and care. Together, they form the foundations of how I hold space, how I listen, and how I support your growth.

Humanistic, person-centered counseling

Carl Rogers’ work has deeply influenced how I show up as a counselor: with empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. This approach trusts your inner wisdom. My role is to create the conditions in which your truest self can unfold. Safely, gently, and without judgment.

Systemic coaching & thinking

We never exist in isolation. We are always part of systems: family, culture, workplace, identity, relationships. Systemic work helps us explore how these systems shape your inner world and how your inner patterns, in turn, shape your outer life. It is resource-based, encouraging you to discover what supports you rather than what is “wrong.”

Gottman-based relational work

From couples therapy research, I draw on tools that help people understand communication, conflict, attachment, and emotional connection. Even in individual work, these insights often help clients understand their relationship patterns with more clarity and kindness.

Integral psychology

Ken Wilber’s integral framework provides a broad map of human development, including emotions, cognition, behavior, spirituality, and interpersonal dynamics. It helps hold the complexity of the whole person, honoring that we are never just one thing.

Theory U and awareness-based facilitation

I appreciate Otto Scharmer’s work for its focus on presence, slowing down, deep listening, and embodying new possibilities. This approach supports clients in accessing intuition, clarity, and courage, especially during transitions or decision-making.

Intercultural and LGBTQ+ inclusive facilitation

My work is shaped by lived intercultural experience and continuous learning around identity, inclusion, and belonging. I pay attention to power dynamics, privilege, “othering,” and the emotional impact of being in or outside of certain groups. This informs how I hold space and ensure it’s truly safe for all identities, orientations, and relationship structures.

Existential psychology

Yalom’s reflections on meaning, grief, uncertainty, and human connection have deeply informed my approach. When clients navigate loss, transition, or existential questions, I draw on his work to support them in meeting life’s deeper layers with honesty and compassion.

Mindfulness & somatic work

Mindfulness, breathwork, vagus nerve regulation, and gentle embodiment practices help bring the body into the conversation. They support stress reduction, emotional regulation, and a deeper sense of inner safety. These practices are always optional and guided by your comfort.

Symbol work & archetypes

Inspired by Jungian ideas and narrative methods, symbol work invites your imagination and intuition into the process. Sometimes an image, metaphor, or symbol can reveal truths more clearly than analytical thinking.

Feminist and liberatory counseling approaches

These approaches help us understand how culture, norms, gender roles, and expectations shape our internal narratives: and how reclaiming your voice, boundaries, and identity can be an act of healing and empowerment.

In the end…

These influences don’t define your journey: you do.They simply help me meet you with presence, curiosity, and depth, so that together we can create the space you need to grow into your most authentic, confident, and connected self.