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My Philosophy
I believe that a healthy outlook is based on having a good grasp of your ABC's... Accept, Balance, Cope. Let me explain what I mean by that. I have noticed that people often say things like, "I need to let it go," or "I want to move on," or "I need to forgive ," or something similar. But I have also noticed that we rarely talk about what it means to let go or move on or forgive. I believe that all of those phrases mean accepting that life is what it is–a balance of both good and bad–and making a conscious choice to stop dwelling on things that cannot be changed. If we can figure out how and why we learned to cling so tightly to whatever we are holding onto, then we can learn to change the way we think about it. And then "it" can stop directing our lives–we cope. Of course, this sounds much simpler than it actually is, but it can be done. Whether you need to let go of anger, control, fear, the past, or sadness, I can help!
Theoretical Orientation
I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Therapy (RET), and Narrative Therapy (NT) with my clients. If you are not well-versed in the psychology lingo, here's what this basically means: CBT and RET are based on the idea that how we think strongly influences how we feel and behave, that we have the ability to change the way that we think with practice, and that changes in our emotions and behavior follow naturally from cognitive changes. NT address the stories that we all tell ourselves about how various difficulties affect our lives. Rarely do these stories focus on how we have succeeded in spite of problems. By retelling these stories with a more balanced "narrative,” we can overcome stories that control our lives in negative ways.
I also regularly reference Brene Brown and her work on shame with my clients. She has developed a theory of how to live in what she calls a Wholehearted way. She has done extensive research regarding how people who manage shame well live their lives and her Guideposts for Wholehearted Living, including developing authenticity, self-compassion, time for play and creativity, and others, have proved invaluable to me both personally and as a therapist. To learn more about her, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.brenebrown.com and/or read her books: The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, I Thought It Was Just Me, and Rising Strong.
Since 2008, I have also been using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) as an additional treatment options. It sounds like a bunch of woo-woo silliness but I swear it isn't! Read more about it by clicking on the EMDR link in the menu list under Services.
While CBT, RET, and NT are my primary theoretical bases as well as Brene Brown's theories, and EMDR is a common treatment technique, I also believe that there is no one type of therapy that works for everyone. It is important to me to use a treatment method that suits your personality, belief system, and needs, and I am experienced in a number of other treatment methods should they be needed. I also know many other providers in the community should you need a type of counseling that I cannot provide.
Per requirement of federal HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), click here to see my Notice of Privacy Practices.
I also regularly reference Brene Brown and her work on shame with my clients. She has developed a theory of how to live in what she calls a Wholehearted way. She has done extensive research regarding how people who manage shame well live their lives and her Guideposts for Wholehearted Living, including developing authenticity, self-compassion, time for play and creativity, and others, have proved invaluable to me both personally and as a therapist. To learn more about her, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.brenebrown.com and/or read her books: The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, I Thought It Was Just Me, and Rising Strong.
Since 2008, I have also been using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) as an additional treatment options. It sounds like a bunch of woo-woo silliness but I swear it isn't! Read more about it by clicking on the EMDR link in the menu list under Services.
While CBT, RET, and NT are my primary theoretical bases as well as Brene Brown's theories, and EMDR is a common treatment technique, I also believe that there is no one type of therapy that works for everyone. It is important to me to use a treatment method that suits your personality, belief system, and needs, and I am experienced in a number of other treatment methods should they be needed. I also know many other providers in the community should you need a type of counseling that I cannot provide.
Per requirement of federal HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), click here to see my Notice of Privacy Practices.
