Therapy is a collaborative relationship between therapist and client and it is my hope that ours is one that will help to empower you to enact the change you need to live the life you want. You may often have times in your life when you think everything is fine and then suddenly you feel angry, anxious or upset. Maybe you frequently struggle with feeling on edge, avoid talking about your feelings or negative experiences, feel stuck, find it hard to focus or concentrate, you get distracted easily or have difficulty relaxing. Any negative life experience, including from childhood, has the possibility of manifesting in any of the ways described. I endeavor to help you manage and process the feelings that may hold you back from being able to function and live your life the way you want. Together, we can figure out your obstacles and start your journey of healing. I work with teens, adults of all ages and parents with young children 3-7 and will incorporate family sessions as needed. I can usually see children 8-12 and couples, but prefer to see these clients in-person which is not possible currently, but hopefully in the near future. I often utilize mindfulness, somatic awareness, EMDR, TF-CBT, CBT or PCIT. Thinking about going to therapy can feel intimidating, but in doing so, you are taking a step on your journey to healing. I will offer you a safe, non-judgmental space to heal and meet you wherever you are in that journey.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
We will talk about not only what brings you into therapy, but also about you as a person, a partner, a family member, a friend because I want to know what makes you, you. I have an eclectic approach because I know that even clients with similar issues are not exactly alike, so I strive to understand the unique needs of each of my clients and try to adapt my interventions to accommodate those unique needs. From our sessions, you may come away with new insights, skills or perspectives that can help you to enact change. Therapy is a collaboration, so while I will do what I can to provide you tools that can help move you towards the change you want, the effort has to be mutual, because after all it's your journey, one that I am privileged to be a part of.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
My approach varies based on clients needs, but it is always compassionate, trauma-informed and strength based. My approach is also often emotion-focused, attachment-based and existential. I can also be gently directive, mindful and somatic in my approach. I may utilize any or a combination of the following: EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing TF-CBT - Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy DBT - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy PCIT - Parent-Child Interaction Therapy MI - Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Mindfulness Somatic-based interventions
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I enjoy and work well with adolescents, young adults and parents with young children. My approach also matches well with adults, especially older adults. I would consider working with trauma my biggest strength, most people have experienced small or big trauma(s), which often can be the root of their anxiety, depression, anger, relationship issues or substance use. If a need arises for collaboration with a doctor or psychiatrist or even family or friends, I will do what it takes because more times than not, the path to healing and mental wellness 'takes a village.'