My Approach to Helping
I specialize in treating adolescents and young adults, and also work with many individual adults. Areas of focus include anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, life transitions, phase of life challenges, skill building (coping, social, stress-management), emotion-regulation, building self-awareness, and communication strategies (assertiveness trainingboundaries). Often, part of my treatment with adolescents includes working with parents to find an effective balance between setting and reinforcing limits and maintaining a positive relationship with their child(ren). While my therapeutic approach varies depending on the specific needs and goals of each client, I utilize techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Rogerian Therapy.
Most importantly, I believe that connection is a driving force for positive change. I value the unique "story" of each individual with whom I work and am passionate about empowering others to create quality, meaningful lives.
More Info About My Practice
My Clinical Background...
During my graduate studies, I also obtained my school counseling credential and had the opportunity to work in middle and high schools. Through this experience, I have gained a strong sense of the academic, social, and emotional stressors and pressures that are present for children and teens today.
Throughout my MFT licensing process, I have provided in-school therapy, psychotherapy in private practice, and on-site behavioral intervention and therapy with students with Individualized Education Plans. Providing therapy in these different settings has given me the opportunity to work with individuals families with varying levels of functionality and a diverse range of needs.
Ready to give this a try?
If you are interested in giving therapy a try, we would start by setting up an intake session for us to discuss your concerns and expectations for therapy. This intake session is a great opportunity to see if we might be a good "match" and to explore what you hope to gain from this experience. If you have any questions about my practice or whether or not therapy might benefit you, please feel free to give me a call.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) through the Portland DBT Institute. DBT is a skills-based approach to creating a meaningful and fulfilling lifestyle. While DBT is a treatment approach that has been found effective with individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder or other individuals with self-harmingsuicidal tendencies, the skills taught in DBT are crucial tools for any individual who is in need of coping strategies or a successful way of navigating life stressors. With DBT, individuals and families are able to build mindfulness, tolerate distress, manage emotions and decrease emotional vulnerability, and develop interpersonal effectiveness tools. DBT is a great approach for families in finding a "middle path" that helps to balance the preferences and values of all members. Many of the skills utilized in a DBT approach are effective for decreasing impulsiveness, building mindfulness related to behavioral issues or ADHD, managing emotional overwhelm related to depression and anxiety, and developing healthy self-care stress management strategies.
I also have a certificate in Nutritional Psychology, through JFK University. I believe there is a strong connection in our physical and emotional well-being, and love to help individuals strengthen their self-care strategies so that they might see positive change emotionally, as well.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
Participating in psychotherapy gives individuals the opportunity to examine how their existing beliefs, present emotions, and behavioral patterns are impacting the quality of their lives. A therapist can serve as a supportive guide in helping individuals to find peace and acceptance, as well as ignite a process of change. Therapy offers a setting in which individuals may learn, practice, and apply new skills and behaviors to help them to be more effective in their daily lives. As a therapist, I aim to balance my use of clinical tools and theory with a strength-based approach that validates a client's ability to identify their own values goals and empowers them make changes accordingly. Most importantly, I am committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to let down their walls and explore that which is most vulnerable to them.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.