What inspired you to pursue a career as a therapist?
I originally wanted to be a medical doctor but through my education and life experiences, realized I was more interested in human behavior and the mind. I had a strong feeling pulling me to pursue a career helping people understand themselves and their behavior. Fun fact, before I committed to becoming a psychologist I took other paths trying to find my passion including becoming a culinary school trained pastry chef and I was a background actor (extra) in movies and TV!
What is your favorite thing about being a therapist?
Being able to create deep connections and safety so that people feel comfortable sharing the weight of the burdens they carry is truly a profound experience. I’m often the first and/or only person that someone tells their most painful thoughts and experiences. It’s such a privilege to be trusted to listen and support people through their journey. There is also no other feeling like seeing someone make progress they didn’t believe was possible!
What are your specialties and what drew you to them?
My trauma specialty came from an opportunity to work and train in a child sexual abuse treatment program during grad school. I’ll admit, that sounded daunting, but I was drawn to challenge my apprehensions. I am so glad that I did because it made me realize I love helping people work through their trauma and regain their power! My OCD/anxiety specialty was inspired during my psychology internship. I got a chance to train in an intensive OCD/anxiety treatment program, which opened my eyes to the complexities and nuances of OCD. I was then awarded a postdoctoral fellowship to continue my training and experience. I got to see people apply the principles of ERP to change their lives and fight the bullies that OCD and anxiety are! Finally, I was drawn to relationship and couples work by learning early on in my career about Attachment Theory and Internal Family Systems. I am always building my own self-awareness in this area and love helping others learn about their own patterns in relationships. Helping people understand themselves is the first step in breaking old and unhelpful relationship patterns and creating healthier ones.
What makes you unique as a therapist?
I am originally from Toronto, Canada and have lived in the United States for 6 years. Having been born and raised in one of the most diverse metropolitans in the world, I bring multiculturalism into practice with each individual I work with. Being an international psychologist has given me different perspectives and keeps me open-minded.
How would you describe your therapeutic approach?
My approach to therapy is trauma-informed and identity-affirming. I tailor my treatment based on unique and individual identity,characteristics, and needs. I teach people helpful coping skills but also help them discover where they learned their unhelpful copingmechanisms. I have seen the power that comes from increasing self-awareness and why you behave and think the way you do. I think a balance between dealing with the here-and-now current problems and exploring past experiences can be extremely empowering.
What is your favorite quote?
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude”– Maya Angelou
What is one thing that is important for anyone to know?
We are all multifaceted parts of a whole person
What is your take on a current social issue?
Improving safety for women and elevating women’s rights needs to be prioritized. Hatred, bigotry and misinformation continue to leave women vulnerable and unprotected. Women need legal and safe access to abortions. Women need actualized justice from a broken justice system that consistently favors perpetrators of violence and abuse.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or doing a brief phone consult with Dr. Davies please Contact our office.