Helping People Find Therapists & Advocating for Ethical and Healthy Therapy & Marriage Counseling Practices

My Approach to Helping

I specialize in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety Disorders, OCD, or Depression. I do Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Exposure-Based Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders such as Phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Agoraphobia. I do a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of each patient, determine what disorder he or she has, and then perform the kind of psychotherapy that has been shown by scientific research to be effective for that particular condition. I offer evidence-based psychotherapies; treatments that work.

 

More Info About My Practice

I accept payment with cash, check, credit card, or Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance.

 

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I am adept at Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and exposure-based therapy for other anxiety disorders. This means that we leave the office and go out into the community and home when necessary.

 

My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy

The purpose of psychotherapy is to relieve suffering.

 

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

I love doing cognitive-behavior therapy because it works. Treatment is usually effective within three to six months.

 

My Role as a Therapist

My role is to diagnose and treat illnesses.

 

My Therapy Focus

The focus is on eliminating symptoms.

 

What I Usually Need to Know to Help

 

On the Fence About Going to Therapy?

It is always amazing and unfortunate to encounter people who have suffered for years despite the availability of effective treatment. My most important message for anyone contemplating therapy is that there is HOPE.

 

Had a Negative Therapy Experience?

Unfortunately, many therapists are not trained in cutting edge cognitive-behavioral techniques, and perform "eclectic", or supportive or psychodynamic therapy for conditions for which CBT has been shown to be the most effective treatment.

 

Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist

I think it is important to choose a therapist who has advanced training and experience in the form of therapy that has been shown by scientific research to be most effective for their condition. It is important that the therapist be a likable, warm, kind, caring person, but this is not enough; they should also be able to perform the treatment that works.

 

Theoretical Influences that Guide My Work

Psychiatric illnesses are learned responses to stress. They can be unlearned and more adaptive responses can be put in their place. In cognitive-behavior therapy, we change our thoughts and behaviors so as to reduce distress and improve functioning.

 

What I Say to People Concerned about the Therapy Process

Exposure-based psychotherapies proceed at a pace that is completely determined by the patient and is comfortable for them.

 

What Makes up a Problem?

Our brains are shaped by genetics and life experiences. Fortunately, NEW life experiences, including psychotherapy, can change our brains.

Services I Provide

• Individual Therapy & Counseling
• Coaching
• Consultation
• Clinical Supervision
• Online Counseling / Phone Therapy
• Home-Based Therapy

Ages I Work With

• Children
• Teens
• Adults
• Elders

Languages I Speak

• English
• Spanish

Therapy Approaches I Use

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy /REBT
• Gottman Method
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy
• Parent Work
• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
• Relationship Enhancement Therapy
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Concerns & Issues I Help With

• Abuse: Emotional, Physical, or Sexual
• Social Skills & Problems
• Anxiety, Fear, & Stress
• Emotion Management
• Attachment
• Depression & Mood
• Family Problems
• Childhood & Adolescence
• Relationships & Marriage
• Life Changes
• Health & Body
• Occupational & Academic Issues
• Reproduction
• Trauma
• Self-Esteem & Confidence
• Identity Issues
• Self-Harm & Suicide