I specialize in food, eating, and weight concerns, as well as anxiety-related disorders and depression-related disorders. I practice and teach from a body neutrality framework, support health at every size, and encourage intuitive eating practices. I am trained in mindfulness practice and often incorporate this into the therapeutic process. I believe that most of our progress happens in between sessions, so I will often suggest homework assignments at the end of each session that include practicing new skills, listening to recommended podcasts, watching recommended documentaries or shows, or spending time with some recommended reading. Of course, homework doesn't work unless you want to do it, so I work together with you to pick something that you feel is easy to fit into your life. I strongly believe in the healing power of laughter and I'll incorporate this into the session as much as possible.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Therapy doesn't have to be stodgy. Sure, it can be a place where difficult things come up and make us cry or shake in anger, but it can also be a place where we poke fun at life's quirks, and find the humor in things together. I believe that you should walk away from each therapy session with a new tool to practice, new insight to process, or a sense of validation. Therapy should help. I like to create a space to let thoughts and feelings go, work through these, and understand them better. Since therapy is only an hour a week or every other week, utilizing the time between sessions is key for real progress. Together, we can come up with how to use that time so that progress happens for you.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
Art therapy (I am a board certified and registered art therapist), mindfulness practice, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and laughter. The field is always evolving based on new science, so I pride myself in staying up to date with new approaches.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I specialize in body, weight, and eating-related challenges. Much of the time anxiety and depression are present alongside these issues, and trauma is something that most of us have experienced and maybe even carry with us. I understand that all these co-occurring issues create an interconnected web that can feel difficult to sort out. I believe that working on all these related issues together is the best way to see progress for most people.