New to Grow
Hello, my name is Lisa. I am an emerging therapist in telehealth services. I am privileged to have the opportunity to help you navigate through difficult and complex life stressors. My approach is collaborative, to ensure that you feel heard and understood. I draw from evidence-based practices while respecting each person’s unique experience. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, gain insight and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.
It is important to take a moment for us to get to know each other. The intake process can feel intense but, please know we can go at your own pace. You don't have to share everything all at once, take your time and get comfortable.
One of my core strengths is my ability to connect well with others to establish rapport and create a safe environment. I am proficient in utilizing evidence-based practices, in particular strengths-based approaches, and solution focused.
I serve adult to older adult individuals, contending with life changes/adjustments, grief, depression, anxiety or medical issues/illness. I appreciate all clients who take the initiative to seek psychotherapy services. The first step is often the most difficult. Improving your mental health and addressing your stressors requires your engagement and active participation in therapeutic practices. I encourage open and honest communication, regular practice of coping skills/techniques and completing provided homework. Your commitment to treatment will help you learn and grow towards meaningful progress and achieve significant realistic goals.
Strength-Based
Utilizing strength-based approach assists clients in identifying their ability to utilize resources, skills, and supports to foster resilience and personal growth. Clients may sometimes need that gentle reminder of their innate abilities to navigate and manage difficult situations. Strength-based approach provides clients with the opportunity to view their own progress towards set goals and desired outcomes.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is an intervention used in a variety of diagnoses and treatment. I tend to use ACT more with anxiety and chronic health conditions. ACT promotes "psychological flexibility," which teaches clients to observe uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. This will take some practice but, it is beneficial in helping clients understand and better manage their illness. Mindfulness, (being present), is a key component in the success of this intervention. ACT is also often used in grief support when suffering from loss or adjustment to life changes.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is an important tool in treating issues like depression and anxiety. CBT is an evidence-based practice which illustrates common ways we process situations. Often times we may get stuck in a pattern of distorted/negative thinking. How we tend to perceive a situation, influences our thoughts, feelings and emotions, that can lead to adverse behaviors, keeping us trapped in a pattern of negative thinking, depression or anxiety. CBT is a practice I use to teach the client to challenge or reframe negative thoughts. CBT is beneficial for clients struggling with depression or anxiety disorders. The client learns to develop healthy and effective coping strategies, practice reframing and develop realistic obtainable goals, (SMART goals).
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT offers balance between "acceptance" and "improvement." This is an evidence-based practice used for those struggling with emotion regulation, self-destructive behaviors or addiction. I utilize DBT to engage clients in various areas of treatment to build self-esteem, relationship skills, practice Mindfulness, Distress tolerance and Emotion regulation. DBT requires routine homework and frequent practice of DBT skills. A simple reminder in DBT, "Practice makes.......PROGRESS."