Are you asking yourself if therapy can help or if your problem warrants contacting a therapist? The short answer is that if a problem has been interfering with your daily functioning or sleep patterns for 2 or more weeks, the answer is ‘Yes’. For 35+ years as a Clinical Psychologist and trained trauma therapist, I’ve helped people from all walks of life (active-duty service members, veterans, military dependents, survivors of abuse and or trauma, parents, students, and adults of all ages struggling with life challenges and stress) learn new skills and thought patterns to significantly improve their mental health. Let me help you to identify the what, how, and why of your problem area(s) and then devise a path forward that addresses your physical, mental, relationship, and spiritual needs. We’ll set clear and attainable goals and along the way, you’ll learn effective self-care and healthy communication and problem-solving skills. Depending upon your strengths, we’ll collaboratively choose a treatment approach. However, most of my patients have indicated that they prefer a blend of treatment types that capitalize on their thinking skills while honoring their emotional and physical feelings. Approaches may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. Life is precious but often very hard, and you don’t have to figure everything out by yourself. Why not increase your hope for the future by learning new ways to engage and overcome your pain? I look forward to hearing from you.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our initial session, I will focus on developing a safe and affirming relationship while gathering important information about your current circumstances and social and psychological history. By the end of that session, I want to be able to summarize your circumstances and offer recommendations about a way forward. You may expect me to ask many questions and listen carefully to your replies. A wise person once said, 'They don't care what you know until they know that you care.’ Coming to therapy can be hard. Once there it is essential for you to feel safe and respected. I create a safe space in which clients can openly discuss their dilemmas without fear of judgment. By the end of our first session, I want you to feel safe, respected, and hopeful.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I use a solution-focused approach informed by each client's past and current life experiences. Our approach to therapy will vary depending on your problem, goals, strengths and weaknesses. My therapeutic approach includes the use of Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Person-Centered, and Somatic therapies. We will work to improve your well-being by increasing your self-awareness, identifying psychological needs, and learning new strategies in problem-solving. Most clients benefit from therapies that help them to appreciate the power of their self-talk, and its relationship with their physical health, and by learning new ways to cope with painful experiences which are stored both in the mind and the body. If requested, I will bridge traditional psychotherapy with spiritual awareness.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Clients tell me that during our sessions they feel deeply cared about and understood. This advanced capacity for listening and understanding grows out of years of experience working with people with varied challenges and an acceptance of myself as deeply human. As a seasoned psychotherapist with an extensive clinical background, I think it essential to create for you an environment where you may cry and laugh while developing a clearer sense of how to best understand and navigate your challenges. I strive to allow myself, sense of humor included, to show up with advanced knowledge and sophisticated helping skills which will be harnessed to creatively assist you. I’ve learned, as a result of helping thousands of individuals over 35 years that hope really does spring eternal.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Adults ages 18 and older. I am prepared to see clients with trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, life transitions such as graduation, marriage, divorce, retirement, job loss/change, military concerns, relationship problems, parenting problems, health problems.