My Approach to Therapy
The cornerstone of my work is Evidence-Based Practice. Different therapists may subscribe to different “schools of thought” when it comes to treating psychological problems, but research shows us that not all therapies are created equal. Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) are treatments that have been used in carefully conducted, large-scale studies and have been shown to significantly reduce psychological symptoms, often for years following the end of treatment.
I combine these Evidence-Based Practices with a warm, active, and individualized approach. Therapy strategies aside, a key aspect of my work is providing a genuine, nonjudgmental, and caring environment. I want my clients to feel heard and understood every time we meet. You are the expert in your life and I have skills that help people make positive changes – by working together, we can improve the quality of your life and help you reach your goals, whatever they may be. It can be difficult to choose a therapist and I am happy to talk with you on the phone or to schedule a free, brief introductory session so that we can get to know each other.
Telehealth Sessions
In addition to in-person therapy sessions, I also provide therapy sessions over the phone or via secure video. Telehealth sessions give my clients the flexibility to schedule sessions around their needs and allows us to build a meaningful therapeutic relationship virtually. Research has shown that therapy conducted via Telehealth can be just as effective as in-person sessions.
For more information on using Telehealth in my practice , please see this .pdf document, which answers many frequently asked questions.
Individual Therapy
I provide individual therapy to adults for a variety of common problems and concerns including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma recovery, relationship problems, and insomnia. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is a present-focused therapy that examines the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be contributing to the problems you’re experiencing. CBT is a short-term therapy that aims to change patterns of thinking or behaving, which can change the way you feel. CBT has been scientifically tested and has been shown to help with a variety of problems, including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and anger problems.
I am also extensively trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, another evidence-based treatment that combines an analysis of your behaviors with mindfulness and acceptance strategies, which helps you become more psychologically flexible and more plugged in to what is important to you in your life. These tools can help you find meaning in life and get unstuck from behaviors and thoughts that are wasting your emotional energy.
These approaches give me an flexible framework and a variety of tools to help care for your specific issues and concerns.
I enjoy working with a clients from a wide-range of backgrounds and experiences, including teenagers and children aged 6 years and up.
Couple’s Therapy
I also provide therapy to couples who may be struggling with the problems of everyday life, who are overcoming a crisis, or who want to improve their communication skills and increase their intimacy and connectedness with each other. Whether we are addressing problems that have been simmering for years, or if you want to explore potential challenges in your relationship, couples therapy can be a perfect place to build upon your history together and strengthen and repair your connection to each other.
When treating couples, I use the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy, which is grounded in over 40 years of research on what works to help couples build long-term, healthy relationships. The Gottman Method helps couples increase respect, affection, and closeness, as well as improve communication skills, manage and repair conflicts, and create greater understanding between partners. Beginning couples therapy can be daunting, but by working together, we can find ways for you to build upon your friendship, increase intimacy and trust, and foster a commitment to your future together.
Therapy for Insomnia
Sleep problems are incredibly common in both adults and children. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is an incredibly effective way of addressing the thoughts and behaviors that keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. CBT-I is generally very brief, perhaps as few as two sessions, although we may need to meet for more sessions in order to address anxious thoughts or negative emotions that often accompany poor sleep.
Assessment
Psychological assessment can be used for many different purposes such as: assessing mental health history, clarifying current diagnosis, identifying cognitive or academic strengths and weaknesses, or developing a treatment plan. Assessment involves the integration of information from multiple sources, e.g., interviews, observations, tests, and questionnaires, into a psychological report. Assessments can be used to answer many different questions; contact me to talk more about your specific needs and concerns.