My Approach to Helping
My approach to helping is caring, non-judgmental, and practical. I specialize in several types of therapies that reduce anxiety, depression, and resistance to change. All of us have issues and problems that we might like to change but we often lack the energy or motivation to do so. You may feel that you sincerely want to feel differently, but you realize that is not the same as having enough information or support to make the necessary changes happen.
Anxiety is often a cause of this seeming lack of motivation to make changes. Anxiety can be occasional but it can also be frequent, or constant and paralyzing. It can affect the quality of your life. Sometimes you may also feel there is a type of resistance that feels like it is blocking you from making those changes that you desire.
I work with you through a combination of evidence based therapies that are chosen on the basis of your unique personality and goals. The commonality is that in each of these therapies is tailored to generate the energy and motivation that you need to get out of the stuck places of anxiety, resistance and depression.
More Info About My Practice
As a psychologist, the type of work that I do draws from the best of numerous psychotherapies. Much of my work with individual clients involves practical and individually specific tools for facilitating change. This reflects my sincere belief in the uniqueness of each person and their ability to learn to lead happier and healthier lives. As such, while I review the past, I tend to focus more on the present and the future with emphasis on motivation and solutions that lead to greater awareness, and the confidence needed to move forward in solving personal issues.
Depending on my clients' needs, in general I often use a variety of approaches and therapies, including as appropriate: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety and depression), Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Couples Therapy, Stress Management Therapy, Mindfulness Management Therapy, Person Centered Therapy and Positive Psychology.
I also have an addiction psychotherapy specialization where I work both with clients and sometimes their families. In my 20 years of experience working with clients who have dual diagnosis and addictions, I have had the benefit of working in every level of care -- from substance abuse prevention to in-patient rehab treatment programs, PHP, IOP, and outpatient. One of my sincere beliefs is that there is no one way that works for every client. Not everyone needs rehab or 12-step groups. Each person and each situation deserves special consideration. In short, that means there are no have-to's, should's, or must's. I apply an approach that is non-judgmental, with empathy and compassion for my clients, while bringing them the best type of care they need, and of course, never giving up.
In Couples Counseling, I see my work as helping to develop healthy person-to-person emotional connections without sacrificing individuality. Each person's personality needs to be recognized and respected. In initial sessions, much of my focus begins with changing communication styles and learning to negotiate conflict. To restore or develop trust and connection, I find that people need to first literally learn to talk to each other differently. This is not as easy as it may sound, but it is possible and it is the foundation of maintaining healthy relationships. Once respectful and caring communication is established, improved emotional connections become possible and problems can be resolved.
With Stress Management therapy, I see handling stress as a gateway to preventing difficult problems as well as some psychological disorders. The beauty of Stress Management training is that the skills can be taught and the results can be obvious in a relatively short period of time. Stress Management can be a tool that keeps issues from developing into more serious psychological distress. I find that all persons, regardless of age or background, are able to benefit from Stress Management approaches.
