LMFT, 18 years of experience
I began my education as a journalist and a photojournalist, and even in that realm I found myself fascinated by people -- they were always my focus: How they worked, what motivated them, the why. I decided I cared not just about understanding them but about helping them. I pursued clinical psychology and am grateful every day that I chose a career that's not just what I do but very much suits who I am. I’m curious and care, a lot. I truly believe having HOPE is key to creating change. As Arthur Ashe once said "Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” We can take these steps together.
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions and some background information, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Having worked in the mental health field for over 18 years, I've developed a tried-and-true playbook for helping you (a) identify the root cause of your challenges and (b) create a tailored plan that leads to measurable progress. I seek to build a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel respected and seen in a space free of judgment. I am a strength-based provider which essentially means I see your strengths and seek to support you in building upon them.
The focus of my work is with individual clients 18 years and older.
CBT is based on several core principles, including: Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking. Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior. People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. These strategies might include: Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality. Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others. Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations. Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities.
This form of psychotherapy is grounded in the idea that people are inherently motivated toward achieving positive psychological functioning. The client is believed to be the expert in their life and leads the general direction of therapy, while the therapist takes a non-directive rather than a mechanistic approach. The therapist's role is to provide a space conducive to uncensored self-exploration. As the client explores their feelings, they will gain a clearer perception of themselves, leading to psychological growth. The therapist attempts to increase the client's self-understanding by reflecting and carefully clarifying questions.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term goal-focused evidence-based therapeutic approach, which incorporates positive psychology principles and practices, and which helps clients change by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems.
Mind–body interventions include therapies, such as meditation, breathing, yoga, and visual imagery, which act as effective treatments for anxiety and depression. Psychoeducation on the importance of sleep, exercise and healthful eating are provided.