I am a solution-focused therapist. I help clients tap into three strengths, overcome challenges, and create a life worth celebrating. While we cannot change the past, we can work together to understand and resolve current issues, uncover unhelpful patterns, and shift negative perceptions that may be holding you back. Whether you are facing a difficult situation or ready for a new direction, I am here to support you in reaching your goals.
Our first session will consist of you getting any questions answered that you might have. I will listen to you and learn what brought you to therapy. It is a time of getting to know each other and gaining some insight for future work together.
My greatest strengths include being a good listener and truly caring about you and what brought you to therapy. I believe therapy is serious but I also have a sense of humor.
My ideal client is someone who is willing to do the work required to change. My ideal client will come with an open mind and be ready to learn and grow. I am not expecting the client to change overnight, real change requires time.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have over 10 years of experience using this theory. I use it to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It is used to help clients recognize automatic thoughts, beliefs, or mental habits that contribute to problematic feelings and behaviors. I often use homework to help outside of sessions.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have years of experience using DBT. This theory is used to help clients manage intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve coping skills. I teach mindfulness skills, emotion regulation, etc. In summary DBT helps clients observe their thoughts and feelings mindfully, manage intense emotions skillfully, tolerate distress without being destructive, and communicate effectively.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I have been in private practice 10 years and used this approach often. SFBT helps clients make positive changes by focusing on their strengths, resources and solutions rather than problems. I guide clients to clarify what they want to achieve and how they want things to be different. I explore times when the problem wasn't there or was less severe. Clients are encouraged to identify their own skills, supports, or behaviors that have helped in the past or could be helpful in the future. The "miracle" question or "scaling" question is asked to help clients recognize small positive changes or behaviors they can implement immediately.