Attachment-based

Attachment based therapy provides a path to understanding how experiences in our formative years influence our lives in the present. Our sense of who we are, how we see ourself in relation to the world around us is shaped, in part, by the messages we received very early in childhood. Healthy, supportive relationships enable us to develop a strong sense of who we are. If we experienced responsiveness, comfort, encouragement, assurance of safety, our parents/caregivers provided secure base from which to explore the world around us, giving us the ability to form trusting relationships, develop positive coping skills, and become self-reliant. If our early experiences with parental figures was chaotic and unpredictable, or expressions of love, belonging, and safety were absent, negative, or confusing, the base from which we explore the world isn't as reliable. We develop coping skills for navigating confusion, becoming less secure of . I work with clients to identify and change maladaptive behaviors that are

Person-centered (Rogerian)

The person-centered model is the umbrella for all of my work with clients. It is grounded in the belief that each of us strives to fulfill our potential, and that the desire for personal growth and change is inherently human. In other words, we have the capacity to find our purpose in life and become the person we can be. Our self-concept (how we view ourselves) is shaped by the messages we internalized as children, the environment in which we were raised and what we experienced in our environment. If we are receive encouragement and support, and internalize messages that are positive, we are more likely to recognize our strengths and achieve our potential because we believe in ourselves. But for many of us, the messages we received and the environments and experiences we had were either mixed and confusing, or outright negative. Rather than encouraging our strengths, we learn to question, doubt or deny them. It is critical to me that I create an environment of trust and support. To allow you to fully express and explore anything that may be inhibiting, masking or distorting your inherent strengths. I view therapy as collaborative, understanding that you are the expert on your life, and I am here to facilitate self discovery, by acting as a guide, a trusted, reliable person, who listens, provides tools and identifies your strengths and that travels with you.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT helps to identify thought patterns that often undermine our ability to make positive changes and provides tools to challenge and change self talk (what we tell ourselves about ourselves). CBT is an evidenced based therapy for treating addiction, depression, anxiety and low self esteem. One of the most studied therapeutic models out there. I utilize CBT to help clients find the root cause of the behavior, and provide tools to support change. Once we know why we are doing something, we can learn how to change it.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-Based Therapy is a fundamental tool for cultivating awareness of the present moment. Rather than ruminating on our past challenges, I utilize mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as way to bring attention to thoughts and feelings that arise in the moment. How and the physical sensations that accompany them. By bringing awareness to our thoughts and emotions, we can learn to manage and regulate them, rather than becoming overwhelmed and controlled by them. Mindfulness is often misunderstood as simply being meditation. While meditation is part of mindfulness, the practice of mindfulness is about bringing awareness to the present moment experience. As a tool for grounding, it can be as simple as noticing the rhythm of the breath or counting down from 10 to 1. Mindfulness-Based therapy has been extensively researched, is evidence based, and shown to be beneficial physically and mentally, managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic disorders, sleep disorders, and stress reduction. I have extensive training both personally and professionally in the practice of mindfulness. I have studied in California, Thailand and Nepal. And can attest to the benefits of integrating mindfulness based techniques into my life.