Areas of Expertise
Individual Therapy
The psychodynamic approach to individual therapy helps the client examine what is happening beneath the surface of consciousness and uncover motivations for behavior to better understand response patterns that may be getting in the way of positive experiences, moving the client toward awareness and understanding of how the past influences the present. This approach is personalized and holistic, responsive to the unique needs of each client. Areas of focus for individual therapy include young adult life transitions, managing academic stressors, career development, navigating leadership expectations, midlife dilemmas, parenting challenges, family of origin issues, "empty nest" adjustments, social anxiety, loneliness, grief and loss processing.
Relationship Therapy
Relationship therapy begins with an assessment of the strengths within the relationship and then expands to address sources of conflict in need of resolution. Identification of emotional needs for each partner and the development of effective communication provides the foundation for improving connection and building or repairing trust. I work with couples, families, and business partners to manage conflict, deepen understanding of individual needs, identify opportunities for personal growth, and achieve favorable compromise and collaboration. Relationship counseling for couples is not limited to repairing or improving the existing relationship. It can extend to the discernment process and continue to provide guidance for the evolution of the relationship if separation or divorce is identified as the path forward.
Anxiety & Depression
Symptoms of anxiety and depression often present together, the unsettling discomfort of intrusive thoughts and pervasive fears can be followed by the heaviness of exhaustion and isolation. Clients are guided through the process of identifying internal and external factors in need of resolution that may be contributing to symptoms in parallel with the development of coping strategies to minimize symptoms and improve daily functioning.
Trauma Therapy
I am trained to provide EMDR technique trauma therapy which is a form of exposure therapy created to desensitize clients to information that is causing emotional distress. Using the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model for intervention, EMDR technique includes relaxation breathing, visualization exercises, and bilateral stimulation to reprocess memories and move clients from feelings of distress to tolerance.
My Approach
Inspired by the work of Tara Brach, Pema Chödrön, John Gottman, Carl Rogers, Francine Shapiro, Bessel van der Kolk, and Irvin Yalom, I am passionate about helping individuals and couples to experience connection, construct meaning, and discover purpose in their lives.
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The well-lived life is a marathon that requires adaptation and endurance. Everyone could benefit from having a training partner, someone who helps them to put the past into perspective, find moments of hopeful joy in the present, and plan for a future that connects aspirations and potential.
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Therapy can provide a support system to improve coping skills during times of uncertainty and transition. By focusing on the strengths of the client, the counselor can help the client to increase tolerance for emotional distress and find new ways to consider challenges as opportunities for personal growth and development.
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My approach to therapy is collaborative, a partnership between counselor and client. My goal is to help you meet the world with kindness and curiosity, to discover personal strengths, and guide you through the process of creating positive change in your life.
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If you've never been in therapy before, you may be hesitant to start because you're not sure "how it works". Simply put, talk therapy utilizes language and social engagement to help regulate the body's nervous system, increasing emotional stability and improving feelings of well-being.
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Sometimes personal resources are lacking when unexpected or painful experiences occur, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and isolated by what has happened. We struggle to make sense of these experiences and can feel wounded by them. Psychotherapy tends to emotional wounds so they can fully heal, providing time and space to verbally express thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment that offers understanding, compassion, and hope.