A Different Way of Understanding Relationships

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I work with individuals, couples, and parents through a relational, systemic, and neurodiversity-affirming lens. My background in occupational therapy continues to shape how I understand the connections between our environments, sensory experiences, emotional regulation, and what we need to feel safe, supported, and regulated.

My OT training taught me to look beyond behavior and consider the whole person, including their sensory needs, daily demands, and the environments in which they live and relate. I bring that perspective into my work as a therapist, recognizing that the way we experience the world influences how we understand ourselves and connect with the people we love.

Sensory differences, emotional regulation, and environmental stressors can all shape our relationships. What looks like withdrawal, irritability, or disconnection may have more going on beneath the surface than we initially realize.

I'm particularly interested in how emotional regulation and co-regulation shape our relationships. We each have different ways of experiencing stress, recognizing our needs, and returning to a place of balance. In relationships, learning to understand those differences, and practicing ways to support one another through them, can create opportunities for greater connection and understanding.

Rather than assuming there is one right way to communicate, manage emotions, parent, or navigate conflict, I work collaboratively with people to discover what actually works for them. My approach recognizes that meaningful change isn't just about learning new skills; it's also about understanding our individual needs and creating the conditions in which we can use those skills.

For couples especially, I believe that learning to co-regulate is an important part of building a relationship where both people can feel understood, supported, and connected. The goal isn't to respond identically or always agree, but to develop ways of navigating difficult moments together while respecting each person's uniqueness.