It is important to me that I provide a safe and comfortable environment for the clients I see. My clients have told me that I am easy to open up to, share difficult information and have felt that I care about their needs, interests and situation.
Emotional and psychological challenges are a combination of what we have experienced throughout our lives and our genetic make-up. As early as a few days after we are born , we learn both positive and negative messages from the people in our lives and our environment. Based on those experiences we develop strategies that often become our "belief" systems about how "life" is. We also develop coping mechanisms to help maintain homeostasis when we experience traumatic events or things that disrupt our "life" belief is supposed to be. These strategies become our "go-to" way of dealing with these unsettling experiences. As we age, the strategies often no longer work to help us, in fact, a lot of times they hinder our growth and development. Continuing to use these ineffective strategies that may have helped in one part of our life, cause anxiety and depression (and other psychological symptoms), difficulty forming and/or sustaining relationships and coping with life. If we develop unhealthy strategies early in our life from any traumatic events that may have protected us, therapy can help to change the way you think and get rid of the negative messages that have formed.
My approach to helping my clients work through these issues is through a blend of warm compassion and traditional therapeutic techniques in my therapy sessions. From the first time you walk in the door we work on establishing rapport and building the "therapeutic relationship" (the connection, trust, and belief in my ability to help). A strong therapeutic relationship will foster growth and positive change in all areas of your life.
After listening to your concerns, together we develop treatment goals and build upon the strengths you already have. Everyone has strengths and positive things in their lives even if they don't believe it or think that they no longer exist. I believe each person has the ability to succeed in therapy. I will work with you to help you develop stronger coping strategies and remember and focus on what you do well and the small success you are making. I want you to feel better about yourself from the first session. By working on building upon and recognizing your strengths we can do this together.
I often incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), because of it's documented effectiveness. I can help you gain a sense of control over your thoughts, emotions and behaviors/ actions. As I do not do "cookie-cutter" therapy, I will incorporate other techniques based on your needs. I believe that everyone is different and has unique therapeutic needs.
My clients have grown and made changes in their lives over the course of treatment, from increased self-esteem, healthier relationships to building new goals and starting them.