Hello and welcome! I am glad you are here and I would like to help. Are you struggling with depression and anxiety, navigating a difficult life transition or stressful situation, experiencing sadness and grief over a significant loss? Are you wanting to experience more joy and gain confidence in your ability to face the often-painful challenges that life as a human being can bring our way? Do you sometimes experience overwhelming thoughts and emotions that lead to negative behaviors and mood states and get in the way of living your best life? Would you like to find a sense of inner peace, balance, hope and meaning? I enjoy working with individuals and adults of all ages seeking to make changes and learn coping skills to manage painful and unwanted feelings and resolve problems that arise, as well as couples seeking to increase connection and improve communication and conflict resolution skills. My approach draws from clinical training and experience in psychodynamic, mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral treatment approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I have 20 years of experience working with individuals of all ages and genders, families and couples struggling with a variety of mental health issues and life transitions, and continue to love my work. A little about me: I am a partner, mother, daughter, sister and friend. I am nurtured by being in nature, hiking with my dog, reading, cooking, gardening. I am enjoying exploring the Austin area since moving from Massachusetts in 2021.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I will provide a quiet, contemplative and collaborative space for you to clarify your unique goals and values, and we'll discover what will be most helpful and effective for you to get the most from your therapy. As we continue to meet, I will check in often about how things are going and will always welcome your feedback. You will gain insight, increase self-compassion and learn specific coping skills to try out in real life. Sessions tend to flow organically from "where the client is at," and will usually focus on goals and preferences identified in our early meetings. I may begin a session with a brief mindfulness practice, assign homework such as journaling, making a gratitude list or trying out a new interpersonal behavior or self-care practice.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and emotion regulation skills to decrease unhealthy behaviors, improve relationships with self and others and problem-solving skills and find greater overall life satisfaction. There are 85 + DBT skills. I love teaching DBT and practice these skills in my own life! Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based, cognitive-behavioral treatment proven to help individuals accept unwanted thoughts, emotions and physical sensations in the service of living our values. ACT skills challenge us to accept and at times even embrace fears and other unwanted emotional experiences using metaphor and cognitive-behavioral strategies.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Past clients have described me as non-judgmental, authentic, compassionate, humorous, present, and a good listener. Therapy is challenging at times, and can also be fun! I look forward to hearing your story and seeing how we might work together to help you grow and heal. I am available for both in-person and virtual sessions.