MY Approach
The greatest successes in therapy (and life!) grow from supportive, kind, and encouraging relationships. Providing this safe and secure relationship - where you are truly seen, fully heard, and free from judgment - is my specialty. My approach is compassionate, genuine and caring - while also being direct, solution-focused and efficient. I find that effectively striking this delicate balance, (often with a bit of humor!), allows for the deep emotional exploration and personal growth we all hope for when we enter into therapy.
I am committed to helping you reach your goals, to make life changes you aspire to, and to helping you understand patterns of behavior and thinking that may be holding you back. As such, our sessions will be active and collaborative, and tailored to your goals. The specific skills you learn during the course of our work together will give you a “toolbox” to use even after our work is done - preparing you to meet the inevitable ups-and-downs of life with greater ease.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is my primary therapeutic approach, which is a highly effective, evidence-based form of psychotherapy. CBT is a proven and effective treatment for anxiety, depression, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and perinatal/postpartum mood disorders, among many other mental health issues. Over 15 yrs of clinical work, I have also developed expertise in many complementary therapeutic approaches, which include techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. I have an integrative therapy style that is responsive to each client's unique needs.
I love the work that I do, and I love seeing my clients find greater happiness, clarity and peace within themselves. I understand how difficult this work can be, and I am in your corner at all times.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence based therapy that focuses on the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT theorizes that psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking; and in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
One goal of CBT is to help you learn to recognize your own thought processes - i.e. to identify patterns of thought that may be unhelpful, inaccurate and/or distorted. Having “meta awareness” of our thoughts allows us to then challenge, shift, and let go of thoughts that are negatively impacting upon our mood, functioning and health. CBT also encourages you to problem solve and experiment with behavior change - to make real changes in your life that will improve your mood, your confidence and your self-esteem.
Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.