New to Grow
You're a courageous person for making this often difficult first step, especially if you have never done therapy before. Whatever has been causing you pain, know that we will work together to understand the root causes and develop coping strategies that work. I am a therapist with many years of experience in both outpatient clinics and inpatient hospitals. I work with adults and teens and I specialize in treating depression, anxiety and trauma. The first half of my career I provided therapy to children and families, then later began working primarily with adults and teens. I have also led group therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings for adults and teenagers. My approach is collaborative and client centered, balancing both empathic attunement and taking a more active role with use of experiential techniques.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session I will gather some basic information about you and also inquire about what brings you to therapy. I will review intake forms with you and check in to see if you have any questions about the paperwork. I will ask if there are any particular goals you want to work on while in therapy to help me get a good understanding about what you want to achieve during your time in therapy. I will review limits of confidentiality with you and check to see if you have any questions regarding this, and explain how I will keep your information confidential. I will begin gathering some history including childhood experience both within the family and at school. This of course includes positive experiences! This information is helpful for me to understand what may or may not contribute to how you have been feeling and what core beliefs you have. The gathering of history usually takes the initial 2-3 sessions. Towards the end of the session I will check with you about how our meeting has gone and if it feels like we are a good match. It is extremely important that you feel comfortable and a good connection with your therapist so if we are not a good fit I will support you in finding the right therapist.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I think that what stands out the most for me as a therapist is my ability to connect with others and help them feel comfortable sharing personal and private information about themselves. I'm respectful of what clients are ready to discuss and when they are ready to discuss it which is important for clients to feel safe. My sense of humor is also a strength as I have been told by former clients. In regards to results, clients I have worked with have developed healthier coping strategies, built stronger self-esteem and have significantly reduced their symptoms. Changes in thinking patterns has also contributed to these improvements, including becoming far more aware of their thoughts and how these impact their mood, reaction and behavior.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work particularly well with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety and/or trauma. Whether you are starting therapy for the first time or have experience with therapy, as long as you are motivated and interested in better understanding yourself then we should work well together. Having curiosity about how your past has shaped your thoughts and behavior would also make for a good fit as this is an important aspect of therapy. If a client has specific goals they want to achieve, this is helpful, but this can also be determined during the course of therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been using CBT treatment approach since 2008. I had a specialized training during my employment at a psychiatric hospital and I have also received advanced training in CBT. I primarily use this approach to support clients in becoming more aware how their thought patterns impact their mood.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have received training in DBT while employed at Kaiser Permanente and I also co-lead a DBT education group. I use this treatment when additional skill building is needed in managing emotional regulation.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
I have used Prolonged Exposure Therapy mostly with clients who have had a single incident trauma. I ran a single incident trauma group in the past and have seen great results in reducing symptoms of anxiety and PTSD with this approach.
Psychodynamic
My therapy approach is mainly psychodynamic as I believe our childhood experiences greatly impact how we view ourselves, others and the world around us. I have been using this approach throughout my career in tandem with other theoretical orientations.
Schema Therapy
I have completed extensive training in schema therapy beginning in 2016 from the Schema Therapy Training Institute and I have been using it in my practice since then. This theoretical orientation combines Gestalt, CBT and psychodynamic theories and techniques. With this approach clients are able to gain awareness of their thinking patterns/schemas and also learn techniques that help manage emotional reactions when triggered. This approach is extremely helpful for clients who experience significant problems in relationships, but is also helpful for those struggling with anxiety or depression.