Hello! I'm Eileen and I am dedicated to helping people overcome their struggles and become more connected with themselves and others. I've worked in Human Services since 1995 and have been a Mental Health Therapist since 2002. I have been trained in many modalities and what I find to be the most important when working with people is understanding where they are in their lives through listening and validating people's experience. This creates a safe environment where people feel heard and accepted. The next step is creating a strength-based treatment plan that identifies tangible, concrete ideas and practices that are meaningful to people and work to move them forward. This involves collaboration with clients to develop a treatment plan that works for them and their specific goals. All treatment plans are different, as all people are different. You may feel like your current situation is set in concrete, but it isn't. We can work together to resolve issues related to mental health, relationship issues, and/or life stressors that feel overwhelming. I am here to help you navigate murky waters utilizing evidence-based techniques that move you forward. Please reach out so we can get started on this journey!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
After introductions, the first session is working with you to identify what is happening that is causing disruption in your life. I ask many questions the first session to understand you as a whole person, not just someone with a particular problem. Together we identify a way forward based on your strengths and abilities. You will come away from the first session with specific skills to practice and ideas to think about for the next session.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I utilize a great deal of basic psycho-education, behavioral skill building and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am also trained in motivational interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. I also have receive six years of training in Structural Family Therapy. Additionally, I utilize multi-cultural techniques that help people engage in practices, such as meditation, that improve emotional regulation and their day to day functioning.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
From my clients, I have heard consistently that they feel heard, understood and that the treatments I provide work. Having said that, I would say my biggest strengths are the ability to help people feel safe in therapy and to have therapy make sense to people. I am able to explain in clear terms how treatment works and what diagnoses mean. I always start where my clients are and they decide how therapy progresses and what is helpful and what is unhelpful. Are there times that we don't agree? Yes, but generally we work through that and move forward. My clients are the experts on their own lives and I'm present to support them through their change.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I work from a holistic, person centered position and engage with you to build a collaborative relationship around your strengths and interests. I am able to provide concrete steps forward to improve your mental health and day to day life. I have specialized training in working with those suffering with a wide range of mental health issues and am able to decrease symptoms quickly and efficiently. Importantly, I stress a mind-body connection which underlies much of the therapy I provide and helps increase a sense of belonging and purpose for people. I also have expertise in working with Veterans and understanding the unique issues they face when adjusting to civilian life and/or struggling with PTSD. The camaraderie and bond of the service is a loss and can be difficult to adjust to along with a sense that a purpose has been lost. I work with Veterans to reestablish a sense of belonging and purpose in their lives, as well as work with any PTSD/Anxiety symptoms that they are struggling with.