About Me: Reflections of An Existential Misfit

About Me

I am many things. I am a mother, therapist, researcher, Neurodivergent advocate, speaker, writer turned accidental Instagrammer. I have a small private practice in Portland, Oregon where I live with my spouse and two children. I find fulfillment in having a variety of activities to keep my mind engaged.

I am a bit of an existential misfit, always asking the big questions and never satisfied with simple answers. As a clinical Psychologist, I bring this deep curiosity and love of questioning to my work. Through my writing and advocacy work, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own existential misfit nature and find their own unique path in the world. My professional journey here has been one of zig-zags and existential curiosities.

I've always been drawn to the intersection of spirituality and psychology, and how these two fields can work together to create a more holistic and meaningful approach to mental health. This interest led me to pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, where I delved deeper into these topics and began to develop my own unique perspective on the field.

Throughout my professional journey, I've explored a range of areas, from education, place-attachment and relational psychotherapy to the African diaspora and object relations. I've published articles and a book on these topics, and continue to be passionate about bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications in the mental health field.

But it wasn't until I discovered my own and my child's autism diagnosis that I truly found my voice and passion for advocacy work. I started creating content on Instagram to help educate others about the realities of neurodivergence and challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions that still exist in our field.

As an introverted mental health provider, I've had to navigate the challenges of promoting myself and my work while staying true to my values and personality. But through it all, I've remained committed to my mission of promoting a more authentic and holistic approach to mental health, one that embraces the whole person and recognizes the impact of systemic issues on individual well-being.

I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion and share my unique perspective with the world, and I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and explore new avenues in the mental health field.