Licensed to practice in California and accepts 8 insurances. Specializes in Depression, Trauma and PTSD and 3 more.
(she/her)
In recognizing the challenges and complexities of today's changing world and at the many roles we are called upon to fulfill, I know the importance of being able to give my clients a safe place to talk. I help my clients explore and uncover issues that have contributed to feelings of depression and anxiety and work to bring joy back into their lives. Although many individuals don't identify trauma in their history, in over 25 years of practice I have found being attuned to my clients past experiences helpful in improving the present. In addition to treating anxiety and depression, I am trained in trauma treatments both CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) and TFCBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Therapy). I also utilize a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach that allows for identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and patterns of behavior that often keep us stuck. The path to recognizing and challenging our thoughts and beliefs can help change our perspective and allow for experiencing ourselves and relationships in a more satisfying way.
Initially working with my clients it's important to begin to develop a good therapeutic relationship where my clients can feel safe. I invite my clients to be open and ask questions as I work to gather history so I can get to know them. Gathering history allows me to understand my client's current struggles, including relationships and patterns of behaviors that have possibly been factors contributing to difficulties. Additionally, I think it's important to explore and introduce various skills my client's find helpful in better managing their anxiety and depression and can become part of their daily routine.
I worked with children and families for over 20 years and with that, I bring a perspective of an understanding how early experiences and relationships can impact are current struggles. In my approach, not only do I look at my client's current thoughts and beliefs but delve into connecting details from the past that have often been overlooked or they have been unaware of. I work to increase awareness of these perspectives to help my client's get unstuck and move forward in their lives.
I enjoy working with clients who are ready and willing to do the work in and outside of the therapy session. I have found clients that make the most progress are consistent in utilizing tools in different areas of their lives where they have felt either ineffective or stuck. It is my goal to help my clients find the right approaches they feel are the best fit and they see value in.
I identify as
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I use CPT to treat trauma, which is a very effective in treating the event and the impact on long held beliefs.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize a CBT approach to help my client's increase their awareness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are negatively impacting them. I work to help my client's challenge their thoughts to help change both their emotions and responses. I also consider attachment style and history of family systems, including boundaries and obstacles to utilizing effective communication skills.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I utilize cbt model to address thoughts and beliefs that keep people stuck due to history to traumatic experiences.