I have been a licensed therapist for 19 years. I believe the most important part of therapy is the therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship is formed in a collaboration between myself and my clients in an environment of mutual acceptance and respect. In addition to my education, training and experience as a therapist I rely on my innate skills as an active listener, my good memory and genuine caring to guide me in my approach to therapy.
The initial therapy session will include a brief review of the intake forms, confidentiality in therapy, providing the client with information about my professional qualifications and experience, identifying issue that brings the client to therapy and gathering history including family relationships, significant life events and any previous experiences in therapy. The initial session may also include familiarizing clients with the basic concepts of Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
I have many years of experience with a diverse client population from highly functioning working professionals to people with persistent and severe mental illness. My approach in therapy is a to be both professional and authentic.
Automatic thoughts, which are often unbalanced, influence both mood and behavior. Thoughts are examined to arrive at more balanced thinking and relieve emotional distress. In addition, changing behavior can help to change erroneous thoughts and beliefs.
The therapeutic relationship and rapport is essential to making progress in therapy. I have unconditional positive regard for my clients and accept where they are in their process of growth.
Knowledge and understanding of trauma and how it impacts us is important in my work with all my clients, even if trauma is not the identified problem. Psychoeducation on the impacts of trauma as well as cognitive and behavioral strategies, self-care and relaxations techniques assist in recovery from trauma.