I am a psychotherapist and sleep specialist. I have over 10 years of experience helping people with both solution-focused, brief coaching and consultations, as well as longer-term in depth therapy. I meet clients where they are and my style is collaborative. I've co-authored 3 books on sleep, parenting, and empathic communication, and have written articles for publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic.
In the first session, I do a lot of listening, at first. This is so I can help you articulate what you're looking for, what your goals are, and how I can help. I will ask questions to to help you expand on your thinking and figure out where the solutions might lie. If this is a sleep-related issue, I ask a lot of questions about your daily routines, as well as what kinds of thoughts and patterns you have around sleep, so we can unlock the solution and map out a treatment course.
It's a priority for me to create a non-judgmental and open space for my clients.
Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected, and over time can create a negative feedback loop. Sometimes we feel stuck in these patterns and realize they're getting in the way of living a full life or achieving our goals. By working on CBT exercises together, we can actively work to change negative thoughts, which changes feelings and behaviors. When we intervene at one place in this feedback loop, it helps us feel more free to make conscious choices rather than acting and feeling out of habit.
If you're experiencing difficulty with your relationships, it can help to look at your internal model of attachment. Reflecting on family experiences, as well as patterns in adult relationships can be eye opening and help us find healthier and more fulfilling partnerships.
If you are experiencing insomnia or insufficient sleep, CBT-i is the first line treatment. We will work together for multiple sessions, during which we'll use a combination of cognitive exercises and practices to help shift your mind from worrying or negative thoughts that are getting in the way of sleep. We will also address several factors such as timing, routines, and sleep environment to help you create habits to improve the duration and quality of your sleep.