Greetings! I am a Licensed Psychologist based in Tennessee and also have my PSYPACT authorization. I received my Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee and have been practicing for over 20 years. I am a generalist treating a variety of conditions across the life span utilizing a holistic approach. I believe in the integration of diverse services to enhance optimal interventions for children, youth, and adults. I help clients at every stage of life struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, and trauma. I specialize in helping people achieve their own definition of a healthier life in a supportive environment.
In our initial session, we will begin with introductions and move into discussing the specific challenges you are encountering. We will also review policies, procedures and other important information when it comes to our successful therapeutic relationship. Additionally, we will complete and review an assessment to get some previous history and background about your current presenting problems. This will enable me to formulate a personalized plan for our subsequent sessions. Building rapport is important, and your ability to feel comfortable and safe is of utmost importance.
With over two decades of experience in both clinical and academic settings in the field of psychology, I have developed the training, education, skills and dispositions to identify the root causes of your challenges and to create a personal customized plan that leads to measurable progress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy approach that aims to modify dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts by focusing on their underlying patterns and beliefs. It combines cognitive restructuring (changing thought patterns) with behavioral techniques (changing actions), helping individuals develop more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving to alleviate distress and improve overall mental health.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy method used to help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences. It involves the patient recalling distressing events while the therapist guides them through a series of eye movements, taps, or sounds. This process is believed to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact.
Humanistic psychology is a perspective that emphasizes the inherent goodness of people and their natural drive toward self-actualization. It focuses on individual potential, personal growth, and the importance of free will. Humanistic psychologists, like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, believe that understanding and accepting oneself is essential for achieving personal fulfillment and well-being.
Mindfulness-based therapy is a therapeutic approach that incorporates mindfulness practices, such as meditation and breathing exercises, to help individuals focus on the present moment. This approach aims to increase awareness and acceptance of one's thoughts and feelings without judgment. By doing so, it can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve overall emotional regulation and well-being.
Multicultural therapy is an approach that recognizes and respects the diverse cultural backgrounds of clients. It emphasizes understanding how cultural factors, such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and socioeconomic status, influence an individual's experiences and mental health. Therapists using this approach tailor their interventions to be culturally sensitive and inclusive, aiming to provide effective and respectful treatment for clients from various cultural contexts.