As adults, we are responsible for resolving the traumas that have happened to us, to pick up the pieces and put ourselves back together, not because we are to blame for our experiences, but because we are the only ones who CAN change them. That can feel unfair, and it is, there is no doubt about that. On the flipside it can also be empowering- you are the catalyst for personal change, you can always take a turn or step in a different direction, you can always act differently, feel differently, and (with the right tools and assistance) start the healing process. I am here to help you with this noble, and sometimes difficult work. As a mental health professional, I am passionate about helping others feel more whole, hopeful and effective by developing deeper self-knowledge, self-respect, compassion, resilience and further developing our coping skills to take on the challenged life throws your way. I am a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief to assist clients in reducing distressing thoughts and emotions. Drawing from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I collaborate with my clients to identify and challenge negative thought patterns contributing to their symptoms. Through a combination of cognitive restructuring, emotion regulation techniques, and mindfulness practices, I help my clients develop healthier coping mechanisms and increase resilience in the face of life's challenges.
In our first session together you can expect a warm, welcoming, accepting, and relaxing first psychotherapy session. We will start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing, what you are wanting to work on, or want to change in your life. This will help us create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions. The overall experience would leave you feeling respected, supported, and hopeful about your therapeutic journey ahead.
My greatest asset I bring to therapy is my genuine, honest, and transparent approach in sessions. I am approachable and straightforward, preferring not to overanalyze my clients or keep hidden judgments or respond with those typical responses such as “mmhmm I hear you” or “how does that make you feel?”. I value and honor you as a person first, recognizing your expertise in your own life then identify, with your active role, what you want to change in your life. It's crucial for me to listen to your story in your own words before deciding on any specific interventions, your input is crucial here. I prioritize informed consent and uphold the integrity of our therapeutic relationship. Goal setting is a joint effort, and maintaining trust and open communication is fundamental to everything we do together. You are the expert in your life and I honor that.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been used in my practice aiding my clients in overcoming obstacles and living more meaningful, fulfilling lives. In our sessions, we'll utilize ACT techniques to help you develop psychological flexibility in the event of difficult situations, which involves accepting your thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with your values in the face of troubling situations. Through mindfulness practices and cognitive exercises, we'll work on cultivating a greater awareness of the present moment and decrease the time spent in unhelpful thoughts. Ultimately, ACT aims to empower you to take committed action towards a life that reflects your deepest values, even in the face of challenges or discomfort.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach I've integrated into my practice benefiting my clients in managing intense emotions and improving relationships. Through DBT, we'll work on enhancing your ability to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and develop mindfulness skills. By addressing both acceptance and change at the same time, we aim to help you find a balance between acknowledging your current experiences and striving for personal growth. Through the application of specific techniques and coping strategies, DBT empowers my clients to navigate life's challenges more effectively and build a greater sense of well-being.
In my therapy sessions I use CBT to help clients identify and challenge their personal persistent negative thoughts, particularly those fueling anxiety levels, stress levels, and depressive symptoms. By understanding the association between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, my clients will learn to modify thought patterns contributing to ongoing distress. Over time, this process equips them with practical skills to lead a more balanced and less anxious life.