I’ve been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1995. I received a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vanderbilt and my Master’s in Social Work from the University of TN. I have a relaxed, easy going nature & great respect for the people I have the pleasure of working with & the work we do together. I’m experienced working with mood disorders, addictions, adjustment disorders & I’ve worked in the ER with patients in crisis.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In your first session you’ll tell me what you’d like to accomplish in your therapy. That may be just identifying the problem or you may have an idea what you’d like to do about it or what kind change you’d like to see. I’ll gather some history from you & together we’ll develop a map of where we’re going & a rough time frame of how long that will take. We will work as a team. I’m the expert on somethings but you’re the expert on you. You can modify this plan at any point in our work together.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Empathy & the ability to see things from my clients perspective, familiarity with many different methods & diagnoses, creativity, acceptance, humor, healthy boundaries, openness & no delusions about perfect people. I’m encouraging & empowering of my clients.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work with adults who find themselves looking to change old patterns or searching for new ways to cope with new or old challenges. They might be at a point in life where their previous ways of coping don’t seem as effective. They may be at a point of transition in life like a divorce, empty nest, career change or new diagnosis. For some it might be an episode of a mood disorder or coming out of a relapse. We’re all survivors so we’ll look at what has helped you survive to this point, your strengths as well as your vulnerabilities.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral therapy(CBT) is an evidence based treatment that encompasses several subcategories but basically it is based on the concept that our thoughts (beliefs, expectations, assumptions) influence how we feel. I have used this technique throughout my career. In my work with you we will examine your thoughts in relations to your feelings & consider modifying, expanding, reframing those thoughts as a means of changing the feelings that you identify as problematic or excessive. We'll also look at at your behaviors & consider how they influence your feelings & see if modifying certain behaviors results in mood change for you. You can examine these relationships in session & on your own between sessions in the form of reflection, writing or exercises.
Compassion Focused
Compassion Focused Therapy is based on the idea that our emotions are regulated by 3 systems. They are the threat/protection, drive/excitement & soothing/safety. When these systems are in balance we are more resilient & feel more stable & secure. I use this technique to help my clients develop a more cooperative relationship with their emotions that allows for greater respect, compassion & kindness towards oneself & others. I have used CFT for about 10 years now & my clients report it is enlightening & helps them better understand their moods & respond more effectively. I can offer worksheets & literature to help you understand & apply the principles to your situation but if it suits you better to not have homework that works just as well.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Therapy is based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn. It has been found to be effective across broad categories of symptoms, diagnoses & populations. We all have stress & it affects us physically, mentally & emotionally. MBSR works in all of these arenas. One of the benefits of MBSR is increased focus on living in the present moment & not borrowing worry about the future or regret about the past. All of our power to influence the trajectory of our lives lies in the present & we can improve our experience by not living distracted lives that take us away from our present experience. In my practice I have used this method since the 1990's & my clients have found it helpful in dealing with physical disabilities, addictions, mood disorders, life transitions & in responding to triggers in general. In session we would likely utilize guided imagery, grounding exercises & breathing exercises to help you implement these methods in your life. To increase proficiency you are able to practice on your own & talk about that was like in session.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is a particular form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that aids in creating resilience, emotion regulation, distress tolerance & more stable & effective interpersonal interactions. It also incorporates mindfulness as a component. It offers a way of looking at oneself & the world in less rigid ways like seeing the gray between the black & white. It can be very structured & there are a lot of worksheets & materials you can access to help you on your journey outside of our sessions.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is designed to increase motivation & provide a sense of empowerment. It's based on the stages of change model & is often, but not exclusively, used in addressing substance abuse. It's particularly effective for substance abuse issues as addiction often leaves one feeling powerless & recovery would naturally include reconnecting with a sense of true empowerment. I would help you identify patterns, behaviors & thoughts that undermine your recovery & stability in general. Then we would address those thoughts/feelings with the intention of challenging them & redirecting them to one’s more supportive & empowering.