Hi, I am Kristy. As a psychotherapist my approach to therapy for over the last 20 years with individuals, couples and families is rooted in some key elements including building a therapeutic relationship, uncovering unconscious processes, promoting self-reflection and insight, and facilitating emotional processing. As a psychotherapist while working with you, I am dedicated to helping you develop self-awareness, gain insight into your inner world, make lasting changes in your life and create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. By creating a safe and supportive environment I allow you to heal and help overcome challenges, develop healthier coping strategies and achieve therapeutic goals.
The following is generally what you can expect in the therapy sessions. 1. Collaborative Goal Setting. I typically work collaboratively with you to identify specific goals you want to achieve during therapy. 2. Problem Analysis and Cognitive Restructuring. I help you identify negative or distorted thinking patterns that contribute to your difficulties. 3. Skill-Building. I teach you specific skills and techniques to manage your emotions, change your behavior, and improve your coping mechanisms. 4. Psychoeducation. I provide psychoeducation pertaining to the connection between thoughts, emotions and behaviors to empower you with knowledge and understanding. 5. I highlight and amplify your existing strengths, skills, and resources. I encourage you to draw upon your capabilities to create positive changes.
There are several key strengths I hold that can greatly benefit our work together. These strengths include: *Active listening *Empathy and Compassion *Non-judgmental Attitude *Communication Skills *Flexibility and Adaptability *Knowledge of Developmental Stages *Strong Problem-Solving Skills *Patience and Resilience
The principles of Solution-Focused Therapy: * Clients are the experts and outline their own goals. * Clients have the resources and strengths to solve and overcome their problems. * Focus is on the future. * Emphasis on what is changeable and possible. I use this approach by asking questions in a way that leads the client to come to their own positive conclusions. At the start of the process, the client's goals for the sessions will be determined. The remainder of the sessions are aimed to work towards reaching their goals.
The principles Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: * Identify problems and build awareness of negative thoughts and behavior. * Recognize that thoughts are opinions and be able to distinguish between facts and irrational thoughts. * Consciously challenge and reframe dysfunctional assumptions. * Set achievable goals. I use this approach to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts that are preventing them from reaching their goals and living the life they want to live.