Hi, I’m Norma!
*Current Availability: Waitlist for Individuals & Couples and Waitlist for Adult Autism Assessments*
Why I do this work:
As social creatures, I believe that community is at the core of our being. Despite that, relationships (platonic, romantic, or otherwise) are complicated. Navigating challenges that arise and staying curious allows us to find ways to heal and discover things about ourselves we might not have otherwise.
I was raised in a conservative Christian environment where sex, sexuality, and gender were defined by my religion. This in turn created internalized feelings of shame about who I was. Since then, I’ve done a lot of educating and relearning to shape my identity into who I am today. As a black, brown, and queer woman, my identities inform my work and the way I show up for my clients and community.
My desire is for you to feel empowered to be your authentic self and transform your relationship with sex and sexuality into a positive one. Cultivating a relationship built on trust with the people I collaborate with is something I value deeply. Having the ability to trust your therapist allows you to bring more of your true self to the table, which directly affects the quality of the work we’ll do together. I’ll work with you to build a mutual and trusting relationship, because a therapeutic relationship models relationships out in the world.
How I do this work:
While I’ve worked with clients from all different kinds of communities, I’m particularly passionate about supporting young adults who are working through sexual shame, sexual trauma, social anxiety, neurodivergence, ethical non-monogamy, and those who identify as queer/BIPOC and/or men. I focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a strengths-based and healing focus & Narrative Therapy.
Because pain and trauma are realities of our world, our past selves often inform our present relationships, even when we don’t want them to. Together we’ll work to help you understand and identify what parts of yourself show up in your life today. We’ll unpack your history and upbringing to discern how they’re potentially impacting your current relationships. We often feel like we’re “missing the mark” in our relationships - that despite all our efforts, we’re still falling short. Effectively communicating with your partner or other people in your life is a skill I’ll help you develop.
Generally, my style of work is a mixture of collaborating with clients, while also challenging them to dig deeper. But above all, I approach my clients with gentleness, compassion, and I will always keep our focus on healing.
I also offer adult Autism assessments!
I Enjoy Working With:
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Sex Therapy
Sexual shame
Sexual anxiety
Kink & BDSM
Mismatched desire in relationships
Sexual trauma
Erectile issues
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Young Adults
College students
Young professionals
Identity exploration
Values exploration
Life transitions
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Men's Issues
Social anxiety
Deconstructing ideas of masculinity
Building emotional skills
Improving communication
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BIPOC
Racial identity
Race in relationships
Culturally affirming therapy
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Queer & Gender Expansive
Sexual and/or gender identity exploration
Family of origin trauma
LGBTQ affirming therapy
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Trauma & Anxiety
Anxiety challenges
Relationship anxiety
Traumatic invalidation
Complex trauma
Social anxiety
Qualifications:
Education:
Master’s of Social Work (Portland State University)
Bachelor’s of Social Work (University of Maryland)
Credentials:
Clinical Social Work Associate (License #: A12925; Under Elizabeth Norma Nance)
Neurodivergent Affirming Adult Autism Assessment Training (Empowered Fulfillment Therapy/Taylor Kravitz LMFT, ASDCS)
Get started with Norma, today.
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