Hello there! Take a deep breath. It's not easy finding the right therapist. I have been on the other side of the therapy desk and know how hard it is to open up to a stranger. It's okay if you are anxious about it, I understand this. I have provided therapy for almost 20 years and have been in the mental health field for over 25 years in a multitude of settings - schools, prisons, outpatient and inpatient facilities. I've been in private practice for about 7 years. If you need just a few sessions to gain just a few tools to help over a rough patch, we can collaborate on that. Or, if you are ready for a major change in your life to address some serious problems, we can work on that, as well. My approach is collaborative, meaning, you and I are a team to work towards a solution for your current challenges.
The first session will be getting to know each other, me asking you questions, you asking me questions, trying to figure out how you will be able to know if there is progress, setting your goals. Some clients want to take it slow in opening up, others have a lot to get out that they've been holding onto for a long time. Either way is fine and we will work together to see what style works best for you.
I think the greatest skill I have is actually hearing what my clients are saying, then asking the right questions. My goal is not to tell you what you need to do in your life. Rather, the unlock what you feel you need to do for yourself.
I love working with persons who feel stuck - in their relationships, careers, decisions - by things that have gone on in their past. They may have the motivation to change their lives for their future, but do not have all the tools just yet to actualize that change.
I have utilized CBT in my practice for 17 years. With the client, we practice these skills in session, and use real life examples of how to use it in the real world.
I utilize CPT for persons who have experienced trauma. I provide a link for clients to download a manual and we review that together. We can do CPT with or without the trauma story.
Mindfulness is a great modality to use in conjunction with CBT or CPT in order to provide that link between the mind and the body.