My Approach to Helping
Do you feel that your days are simply a race to the finish line? Juggling the many demands placed upon us, we often focus more on getting through our day, than enjoying it. Stress from any source-relationships, family/parenting, occupational or financial-can have a devastating effect on both our physical and emotional well being.
In my over 18 years of clinical practice, I find that most people struggle with the decision to begin counseling. An experienced, knowledgeable therapist will address your fears and apprehension; counseling should be the "safe haven" where you can speak openly and honestly, without the concern of judgment.
I strongly believe in tailoring treatment to each person's specific needs. I feel that counseling should provide my clients with the tools they need to achieve their goals, strategies that they clearly understand and can implement to create the life they deserve and desire.
While I have received advanced training in a variety of treatment modalities, I favor a solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral aimed at changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. I welcome the opportunity to help you in your quest for a better life.
More Info About My Practice
I offer a generalist practice, addressing such issues as: low self esteem/unhealthy body image, survivors of sexual abuse, family discord and relationship improvement. The majority of my practice is dedicated to my expertise and interest in treating anxiety disorders. I provide both CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) based therapy to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety and phobias. I was proud to have been a treating therapist on Season Two of the groundbreaking documentary, Obsessed, which aired in late June 2010 on A&E;Network. I encourage you to visit my practice website or the A&E;website for more details.
I personally speak with all potential clients on the telephone prior to scheduling an appointment. I welcome the opportunity to assist you in your quest for happiness. Make your dream of a brighter tomorrow a reality today.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
As a therapist who specializes in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I believe that this enables me to assist a wide variety of clients struggling with different emotional, behavioral or relationship issues. This form of therapy emphasizes empowering the client; by teaching the individual to challenge and reframe their negative and irrational thoughts, while simultaneously addressing the client’s unhealthy behaviors, the emphasis is to truly put the client in the driver’s seat. This skill building form of therapy can work to strengthen relationships, overcome depression, manage even the most debilitating forms of anxiety or resolve trauma and grief.
My Role as a Therapist
As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, I believe that my role as a therapist is that of an educator and a guide. While empathetic listening is an essential skill of an effective therapist, in my opinion, it should not be the defining quality. Instead, I believe that the purpose of therapy and the role of a therapist, is to assist my clients with gaining the specific skills needed to overcome the obstacles in their way, while also striving to instill a sense of confidence so that they can trust in their choices and learn to use what they have learned without self doubt clouding their judgment. Therapy is a map outlining the many choices that exist in our lives. A therapist serves as a guide, helping the client to find the most efficient and effective path to get where they desire to be.