APPROACH
I specialize in helping adults overcome a broad range of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, addictions, and trauma. I do this by helping my clients understand their feelings and reactions, then identifying better ways to manage them.
The therapy I offer is warm, practical and reassuring. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for personal growth, healing and change. The most effective relationships are based on collaboration, compassion, and respect, and that is what I strive to provide. I see myself as an advocate for my clients.
The approach I use is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy. I bring mindfulness, insight, acceptance, and skill building into my practice. I also use elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which are helpful in dealing with a wide range of emotional and behavioral struggles. This multi-dimensional approach has been very effective for my clients.
I have a special interest in working with these issues:
- Anxiety –– stress, phobias, life transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder, shyness.
- Depression including bipolar disorder.
- Addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling, shopping, relationships.
- Trauma
- Relationship problems with family, partners, colleagues, friends. I work with GLTB and straight couples.
- Low self-esteem
- Chronic pain management
- Traumatic brain injury
- Grief and loss
- Personal growth and values clarification –– resolving questions such as “"What do I want to do with my life?" and "How do I want to live my life?”
For some people, short-term therapy is all that is needed; others need a longer-term approach. I will work with you to identify your goals and help you navigate a path to achieve them. Typically, sessions start out once per week and then they can be spaced out as needed once you are feeling better.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my approach to therapy; I am also happy to set up a 20-30 minute “meet and greet” session with you.