Lori Alford
Lori Alford
I have been practicing as a licensed therapist for over 30 years. I have degrees in psychology (University of California at Santa Cruz) and social work (University of Texas at Austin). I've extensive training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and have knowledge and training in ACT and DBT. I've created curriculum for and led intensive outpatient therapy groups for adults with mood disorders and for addictive behaviors. In my practice, I am dedicated to helping clients manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a healthier way while they navigate life's challenges including relationship issues, work stress, substance misuse, and adjustment to loss and change.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session together, there will be an initial assessment in which we will explore what your concerns and goals are. We will review some of your background and current stressors. The first session is also the time to go over any of your concerns and questions about the therapeutic process and how the sessions work.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
In my over 30 years of practice as a therapist, I have provided compassionate care to men and women, young and older. I have a structured approach in which you are not only able to express thoughts and feelings, but also learn specific coping techniques for your issues of concern. The tone of our sessions will be non-judgmental, supportive, and positive. I will strive to help you feel comfortable and understood so that you can achieve the changes that you seek. My goal is to actively listen to your concerns and help you on a path towards feeling better soon.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Are you struggling with work-related stress, relationship issues, lack of purpose, or unhealthy behaviors like substance misuse or procrastination? Are you tired of feeling anxious and depressed? I've many years of experience helping men and women, young and older, cope better, feel better, and make healthier behavioral choices. I can help you focus on your priority goals and break them down into small, doable, bite-sized pieces so that you can start getting some relief and build on your successes. Together we will closely look at your thinking and how to free yourself of rumination and get out of negative emotional states. If struggling with substance use or other unhealthy behaviors, we can work towards moving away from those and developing healthier behaviors that you can feel good about.
About Lori Alford
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My foundational therapeutic approach is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy which will teach you how your thoughts affect your feelings and behaviors. We will work to uncover any unhelpful thinking styles that can impact your emotional state and behavioral choices. As we work together, I will listen carefully to what your goals are and what patterns of behavior and mood symptoms you wish to change. We will break down those goals into bite-sized pieces so that you can start feeling successful quickly.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
We will explore your values of highest importance and foster an understanding as to how your current behaviors move you towards or away from those values. I can teach you how to develop acceptance and defusion strategies for troublesome thoughts and painful feelings. Together, we will review mindfulness and practice short mindfulness techniques in sessions.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Based on your goals, we will explore pertinent DBT content areas, including mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation. You will learn self-soothing skills, acceptance skills, communication skills for relationships, and other coping skills to move towards emotional balance and calm. You will be able to better handle stressors in your life with these skills and reduce emotional distress.
Mind-body approach
We will explore the mind-body connection and practice ways in which your body can help you return to calm. Techniques include breathing and vagus nerve stimulating exercises.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
In sessions, you will learn what mindfulness is, why practice it, and how to practice it. I will guide you through mindfulness exercises such as mindful breathing and mindfulness of the present moment.