About Authentically Me Therapy
Authentically Me Therapy was established to address the need for queer and non-religious based therapist in the Tacoma area. My approach is client directed, strength-based, trauma-informed, and solution-focused. As a therapist, I am committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for all clients, regardless of their background or identity. As a queer trans-man, who grew up in a devout conservative family, it took time to come into my own identity and embrace a true self. Now, I want to provide that environment for those I serve. Regardless of orientation, everyone deserves the chance to become their ideal self and radically love themselves.
I would be honored to join you in your journey to self-actualization!
Work Experience
I have worked in a variety of settings. I first began working to reintegrate children in foster care to their parents. This is where I fell in love with mental health.
From there I worked the county mental health hotline and crisis stabilization center. I interned at a minority political advocacy center and hosted a queer podcast as part of my undergrad experience. Next became a housing case manager for 2 years as COVID-19 hit. During grad school, I interned at a doctor's office as a medical social worker.
Since moving to Washington in 2022, I have worked providing care and therapy at an acute mental health hospital till early 2024, when I started this private practice.
Education
Master of Social Work, Newman University, 2021-2022
In 2022, I completed my master's in social work with advanced standing. This program had a trauma informed lens that drew me to this program as my goal is to provide real healing where life hurts the most.
Bachelor of Social Work, Wichita State University, 2017-2020
During this time, I received a generalist understanding of social work as well as explored various social work roles in my field.
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About Me
Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, I am very proud of the community have back home and now in Tacoma.
In my down time I like to stay busy by being out and about, connecting with queer community, playing musical instruments, karaoke, or whatever my current hobby is. When I'm at home you can find me either working on a house project or watching a show with my partner and our animals.
People would describe me as extroverted, kind, and also rocking my own unique fashion.
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Therapeutic Philosophy
I believe that everyone has the capacity to heal and grow. My approach is focused on helping clients tap into their own strengths and resources to overcome challenges and reach the goals they set. Everyone is unique and deserve a tailored approach to meet their individual needs. My goal is to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can feel heard, understood, and empowered.
I pull from many modalities, but ultimately believe that knowledge is a tool of liberation. I believe everyone should learn about the world of mental health and how to navigate their life in a way that leads to contented and well lived lives.
Things explored in sessions include coming to know how our values impact our life, conflict resolution, boundaries, self esteem and trusting yourself among many others. I use a trauma informed blend of DBT with somatic therapies to help each client reconnect with their body in safe ways and get the things they actually want from life.
Everything is political. I do not hold to the old model of being a political blank slate in sessions. Pacifism in the face oppression is not enlightenment nor effective in creating a just world, rather the inverse. As a provider, I am pro-immigrant, refugee, black, brown, indigenous, and LGBTQ+ and am committed to social equity.