Motivational Interviewing

I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) often in my work because it helps me genuinely connect with clients and understand what matters most to them. MI gives me a way to build real rapport by meeting clients exactly where they are, without pressure or judgment. It also helps us explore any mixed feelings or hesitation they may have about making changes, and we do this together at a pace that feels comfortable. In practice, I rely on open-ended questions, active listening, and consistent affirmations to create a space where clients feel heard and supported. These tools help me learn more about their experiences, needs, and strengths so we can identify goals that feel meaningful and achievable. Overall, MI supports a collaborative approach to therapy. Instead of telling clients what to do, we work side by side to uncover their motivations and build confidence in their ability to move toward the changes they want in their lives.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) regularly in my practice, and it has been an effective framework for helping clients understand the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Through CBT, I work with clients to identify and explore negative or unhelpful thought patterns—such as “I’m a failure” or “I’m not good enough”—and support them in learning how to challenge and restructure those thoughts into more balanced, realistic, and positive automatic thoughts. This process often helps clients gain insight, reduce emotional distress, and build healthier coping strategies. I often combine CBT with Motivational Interviewing to create an even more collaborative and empowering experience. MI helps establish rapport and allows clients to explore their own motivation for change, while CBT provides the tools to make those changes more concrete. Together, these approaches create a supportive environment where clients feel understood, involved, and actively engaged in their healing process.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

I frequently integrate Mindfulness-Based Therapy into my work because it provides clients with practical skills for increasing awareness and reducing reactive symptoms such as anxiety, stress, or anger. Mindfulness helps clients pause, observe what they are experiencing in the moment, and respond with intention rather than react out of habit. Through this approach, I support clients in developing greater emotional regulation and a deeper sense of grounding. Mindfulness-Based Therapy pairs naturally with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. While CBT focuses on understanding and reframing unhelpful thoughts, mindfulness strengthens a client’s ability to notice those thoughts without judgment and create space for healthier responses. Together, these approaches offer both insight and actionable tools for change. In practice, I introduce mindfulness techniques such as body scans, breathing exercises, and guided meditation to help clients build skills they can use both in and outside of sessions. These exercises support clients in tuning into their bodies, calming their nervous systems, and becoming more attuned to early signs of distress.

EMDR

I am currently in training for EMDR and have completed the first weekend of basic training, with the second weekend scheduled for the latter half of April. As part of this process, I am also completing required consultation hours to ensure I am applying the model appropriately and ethically. I have begun thoughtfully integrating EMDR techniques into my practice to better support clients who are dealing with trauma, unresolved emotional wounds, and present-day triggers that stem from unprocessed experiences. My approach to EMDR is grounded in helping clients safely access and process past distressing memories so that the emotional intensity connected to those experiences can be reduced. The goal is not to erase the memory, but to help the brain reprocess it in a way that allows the client to move forward without the same level of pain, reactivity, or distress. I prioritize creating a sense of safety, stability, and readiness before engaging in deeper trauma work, ensuring that clients feel supported and resourced throughout the process.