Therapeutic Specialties
I work with adults and emerging adults using a psychodynamic approach (looking at how the past effects the present), while also being mindful of the intersection of thoughts, feelings and behaviors (CBT & DBT), to allow for relief from emotional pain. I work best with individuals with trauma, those who want to improve their relationships, further explore themselves and the roles they play in their world, women’s issues, and individuals who are struggling with coping due to a change or transition in their life.
I take an eclectic approach to therapy, in that I borrow from many different approaches and theories. I have substantial training in the following areas: evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT (coping strategies), ACT, Mindful Self Compassion; Narrative therapy, Attachment theory, trauma treatment (traditional and somatic approaches), and relationship strategies (Gottman and EFT). I also offer Neurofeedback training. I use this breadth of training and knowledge to inform the treatment that you and I will do together.
Relationships are often where we are most challenged, and where we develop our sense of who we are and whether that feels good and authentic, or painful and anxiety provoking.
If you are struggling with finding a voice or space for yourself in your relationships, feeling seen and heard, or being able to attach and trust, we can work together to improve your sense of self and overall satisfaction within your relationships.
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Self Exploration
Did you had an invalidating childhood, suffer from neglect or abuse, or experience other painful issues during your upbringing that you feel are still affecting the way you live your life today?
It is common for us to struggle with the idea that we should “get over” difficulties from our past, and to be critical with ourselves when that is hard to do. I believe that it is important to look to the past to understand the present. Understanding the “why” often helps us to make sense of our feelings and responses today.
The more aware we can become of our feelings and thoughts, the more choice we have in how we make meaning of them and how we react. We will work together to allow you to feel like you can exist with less pain and suffering and overall greater ease in your world.
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Trauma Treatment
Trauma has lingering effects that we sometimes aren’t even aware of, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, feeling “on edge” or fearful. All of these symptoms and more are exhausting to live with. When these difficult experiences interfere with your ability to enjoy life, it can be hard to figure out what to do, and we can feel stuck.
I’d like to help you find ways to come back to yourself; to find more ease and safety in your world, and to feel like you have more control over how your past impacts you today. To do so, we will use a holistic approach, tailored to you, that takes into account how trauma affects not just our emotions, but our bodies as well.
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Anxiety
Struggling with anxiety impacts almost all areas of life. We know that living with a constant high level of anxiety impacts physical health (stomach issues, sleep, immunity, weight, etc.), and it also affects relationships.
When you are feeling anxious or on edge, you are more likely to be impatient, short, or snappy. You may find yourself exploding, or lashing out at people you love. Or you may be someone who holds it all in, and feel frayed and jumpy, have difficulty concentrating, and find yourself always in your head, replaying conversations or ruminating on things that have happened.
Regardless of how anxiety shows up in your life, you are likely tired – tired of of carrying its weight, exhausted from the emotional drain, and would like to lessen the ways that it creates struggle for you. There are several approaches that I use with anxiety. I utilize evidence-based strategies such as cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapies which are rooted in changing the way that we relate to the thoughts and feelings identified with anxiety, which in turn affects our actions and behaviors.
Additionally, I take a very compassionate approach to working with anxiety, which I encourage my clients to do, as well. The more we can work with our struggles with understanding and gentleness, the less resistance is encountered, and this can generally result in faster change. We can look at where your anxiety is rooted, and work on changing or amending belief systems and behaviors that keep you stuck in these patterns.
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Change and Transitions
