My Approach

I am a social worker, trained in a systems-based approach, meaning that I view humans as a part of a complex system of internal and external parts. What this means in my work with clients is that I see how the influence in your external environment in addition to your internal experience, both past, present, and future impact your mental health and overall wellbeing. For individuals living outside their home country, the impact of the environment can be notable as it interacts with experiences from the past and hopes for the future, and can create very unique challenges. For you, this interaction can be the reason for presenting for therapy. The goals for many individuals living abroad are to find better ways to manage these unique stressors. My main areas of focus are adjustment-related stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity issues, and cross-cultural relationship issues. Due to the limitations of online-based psychotherapy, I cannot assist clients with active suicidal ideation.

I have unique post-graduate training in clinical applications of attachment theory, which views relational challenges through the lens of early childhood relationships; Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), a unique approach that blends attachment science, recent research on the brain and nervous system, and other scientific disciplines into a unique framework for fostering well-being; Polyvagal Theory, a framework for understand our nervous system including our body's stress response; and challenges related to Neurodivergent individuals. I am trained in the specialty therapies of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP).

EMDR

For some clients, the impact of environmental stressors negatively impact the nervous system manifesting in challenges controlling anger, anxiety, persistent fatigue, lack of motivation, challenges in relationships, among others. Oftentimes, these challenges are rooted in past experiences that were not adequately processed. To help clients with a persistent stress response, I use Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), an evidence-based mind-body approach to treating trauma, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression. Through EMDR, we explore your past through an attachment lens, meaning that we explore past relationships and how they have influenced present relationships and thoughts about the future. EMDR is a specialty therapy that is provided within a normal session fee.

SSP

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based practice developed by Dr. Stephen Porges who developed the Polyvagal Theory. Polyvagal Theory posits that adverse experiences or conditions such as ASD can cause our systems to be in a chronic state of defense, creating social and emotional difficulties, auditory sensitivities and processing difficulties, trauma, anxiety. The SSP aims to "rewire" the nervous system by shifting it from states of defense (fight, flight, freeze, or shutdown) in situations where one's life is not threatened towards one of social engagement. As there is a substantial cost involved in using this protocol, individuals are required to pay an access fee, in addition to the session fee, which is good for one year.

Support for Parents

In my work with parents around challenges involving children, I use an Attachment-based Developmental Approach which also views the parent-child relationship through the lens of safety, security, and connection. I often work with parents around challenges in the relationship due to parenting styles, certain disciplinary strategies, and personality differences. I use Nonviolent Communication and Parent-Child Relational Therapy often in this work.

Support for Children

I also work with children on deepening awareness of thoughts, feelings, and needs, and learning tools to manage dysregulation using the Zones of Regulation Program, a comprehensive program developed by Leah Kuypers. This program is simple and works well for children of all ages (and adults as well!). I also take elements from Art Therapy and CBT, depending on the child, their age, and their unique needs.

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My Background

I started my career in education, as a coordinator of international education at the University of Michigan, a private English tutor for Japanese expats living in Michigan, and an instructor of Japanese Culture and History. Four years later, inspired by my work with the Japanese expat families, I started a Masters of Social Work. My graduate education and internships helped me develop therapeutic and community-building skills that have since been widened with continuing practice, and deepened my knowledge of the challenges faced by certain populations. Following graduation, I worked as a psychotherapist and case manager for the Post-Traumatic Stress Clinic at the VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Detroit, MI. After becoming a parent, my interest shifted primarily to developmental psychology, early learning theory, attachment science, mindful parenting, and learning practical parenting skills based on evidence-based practice. When my son was just over one year old, my family moved to Istanbul and I became a leader in the expat community, organizing events to foster connection and build relationships to ease adjustment and expat stress; working therapeutically with expat mothers and families locally; started an Attachment-Based Parenting Group and virtual support group following the pandemic, primarily for support and resource sharing. Now, I have been able to convert my entire psychotherapy practice online and reach clients globally. I am less involved in the attachment parenting community these days, and instead have focused on engaging in mindful learning experiences with my children and sharing parenting tips with other expat families here.

Curriculum Vitae

Certifications for professional development coursework and licensure can be found here and includes:

Clinical Social Work through University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2012); Licensed Clinical Social Worker through the State of Michigan, USA; EMDR Training through the EMDR Institute; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) courses through the Beck Institute; Interpersonal Neurobiology and Attachment Theory through the Mindsight Institute; A basic course in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training Course in the treatment of trauma, a basic course in the treatment for grief and loss, and a basic course on using the mindsight approach to treating anxiety in children and teens through PESI; Attachment-based Developmental Psychology Intensive Program through the Neufeld Institute; Clinical applications of Attachment Theory and a Mindfulness Certification for treating Kids and Teens through the Psychotherapy Networker; Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) through University of Massachusetts; Mindfulness basic course and Mindful Communication through Mindful Schools; Prolonged Exposure Therapy through the US Department of Veteran's Affairs; and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Basics through the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor