My Approach to Helping
Many people are reluctant to contact a therapist because they feel something needs to be seriously wrong with them. However, that is far from the truth. Most of the people who seek my services are well functioning adults that are going through a difficult time in life. If you are struggling within your relationships, having trouble dealing with strong emotions, or not functioning as well as you have in the past, you may find it beneficial to speak with a professional. Reaching out for help is actually a sign of strength. My goal is to help individuals and couples: find healthier ways of interacting, increase intimacy, decrease suffering, and increase coping. There is no "one size fits all model of therapy." Together we can come up with a plan that best suits your needs.
More Info About My Practice
I see clients on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. My first appointment is at 9 am, last appointment is 5 pm. They are 50 minutes long.
If you would like to use your insurance, I can be an out of network provider and provide you the necessary paperwork for reimbursement. You are welcome to call for a free 10 minute phone consultation to determine if I can help you meet your needs.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
One of my areas of expertise is working with men and women with body image and eating disorder concerns. I have had several years of training in this area providing services to groups and individuals. My dissertation involved researching factors that impacted male body image dissatisfaction. In addition, I have provided numerous workshops in the community on this topic and am currently teaching a special topics in psychology class on Body Image, at the University of St. Thomas (fall 2011).
A second area that I would consider an area of specialty is providing therapy for anxiety. We all experience some level of anxiety, but for some, it can impact their daily functioning. This is one of the most common reasons people come to therapy, and I have quite a bit of training and experience in this area. I have provided workshops and webinars in the community on this topic to individuals and corporations (Shell Oil Company, Merill Lynch, and Kaplan University).
How Psychotherapy Can Help
Often times people get caught up in the emotional turmoil of whatever is occurring in their life. They often get conflicting advice from friends and family members which can further confuse the person. Psychotherapy provides a safe, calm, nonjudgmental place where the person can share their fears or concerns. It helps to have someone to talk to that is well trained in human behavior, not emotionally involved in the situation, and can provide an objective viewpoint.
My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy
Most people who seek out psychotherapy recognize that they are not functioning at their typical level. Therapy can help the person get back to their typical level of functioning or even improve it.
What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist
I consider myself to be a good listener and believe that we can learn something from everyone we meet. I am a sensitive person and am empathic towards the needs and struggles of others. I cannot think of a greater gift to another human being than to help them through their struggles and achieve the level of inner peace or success that they desire.
