New to Grow
I am licensed in Hawaii and Nevada with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Clients can expect to learn ground rules for therapy and the therapeutic process, an introduction of myself, discussion of presenting challenges, potential positive outcomes, and relevant assessment information such as diagnoses (if applicable).
I am passionate about helping others be their best selves. Part of that process is being accountable to learn and practice skills in session to also apply them as homework intersession to assess efficacy and overall improvement. I am also very flexible to engage with challenging populations to discern the benefits of being collaborative versus directing.
I enjoy working with clients who are honest and motivated to get to work. Those who can identify strengths and challenges to constantly grow into better versions of themselves. I have worked with a broad range of clients with a variety of mindsets and entitlements. I appreciate the challenges some provide to continue growth as a clinician. I appreciate clients who can be assertive of their goals and understand it may be necessary to provide structure when patients do not know where to start.
Gottman method
Gottman method is best practice for relational counseling to help support conflict management, deepen friendships, and to create a shared meaning system for couples and/or parents and children.
Experiential Therapy
Emphasizes energy and connection between people to induce change, often related to what is happening in the present that may reflect past themes. The process and what is happening between individuals is more important than the content discussed or the interventions selected.
Polyvagal Therapy
Understanding physiology and the autonomic nervous system is important to recognize the interplay between different parts of the brain and body which impacts thinking and emotions. Learning skills to regulate have the capacity to improve being responsive and less reactive, which opens more possible solutions.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Developed by Susan Johnson and often used in the Gottman method for relational counseling. Understanding subjective realities and frameworks, attachment protests, and verbs that move patients towards or away from vulnerability are important concepts to enhance emotional cohesion with self and others. EFT concepts are essential for growing stronger relational bonds.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
There is a place for intellectuals and thinkers who often need to modify their thinking and belief systems as the current ones used are rigid, damaging, or ineffective to the extent that some problem behaviors are challenges to change. Using various cognitive tools can help modify thoughts to help align with healthier and more adaptive behaviors.