I want to make therapy as comfortable as possible. Coming to therapy can be an intimidating process. The last thing people want is some stuffy, uptight professional that makes people feel like they need to censor themselves. I pride myself in being warm, friendly, and relatable. I view therapy as a collaboration between the therapist and client. I will do my best to make your therapy experience positive. My role is to listen, teach, support, and collaborate with my clients. I have worked in a variety of settings since embarking on my journey as a mental health clinician including hospice care, domestic violence, community mental health, intensive outpatient, and urgent mental healthcare. My preference is to work with mature adolescents and adults of all ages both in person and virtually.
In our first session together, we'll start with introductions, discuss expectations, go over any relevant policies, and identify the reason(s) you are seeking therapy, and what outcome you'd like to achieve. I will answer any questions you may have about the therapy process or in general. I will then ask about your relevant history and then we will begin dive into whatever challenges you are facing. We will work collaboratively to begin formulating an individualized treatment plan for you. Please note that if you do not see any appointment availability that works for you or you wish for in person sessions, it is best to contact me directly by email comfycouchtherapy@pm.me to inquire about additional appointment options, as not all appointments are available for auto booking to help reduce empty slots between my sessions.
My ideal clients usually struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, panic disorder, borderline personality disorder or a combination of mental health and/or physical health challenges. I also help clients navigate life transitions such as college challenges, changes in careers, break ups, motherhood, empty nest, middle age, aging, and change in health status or ability. I specialize in working with individuals with chronic pain or chronic illness including conditions such as Lupus, MS, Crohn's or Fibromyalgia.
This is an approach that assists clients with learning to enjoy the journey of life and resist the urge to goal chase waiting on happiness to come. Refrain from getting stuck in the "I'll be happy when" loop and learn to be happy now. It helps clients identify their values and use those as a compass to help give them direction and meaning. ACT therapy helps reduce impact of negative thoughts and self-talk on the individual.
I have experience teaching skills groups on DBT. DBT can feel overwhelming and rigid to those who strictly adhere to the therapy. Instead, I teach the beneficial skills to help individuals cope and manage big emotions in addition to teaching skills to improve relationships with others. I teach DBT in addition to using other therapeutic techniques and modalities to benefit my clients. I encourage clients to collaborate and tell me what works for them and what doesn't.
CBT works under the premise that changing how we think/talk and how we behave can change how we feel. I utilize CBT to assist clients in identifying skewed thinking patterns that can contribute to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and low self esteem. I use strategies like behavior activation and exposure therapy to intervene in how clients are feeling utilizing their own actionable behavior.