“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” ― Viktor Frankle
We’ve learned a great deal over the past 20 years about what creates a productive and transformative therapy experience. It turns out that the single most important factor is the quality of the relationship between counselor and client. That’s why I focus on establishing a safe, supportive environment where you can share anything and everything about yourself without feeling judged or self-conscious. My goal is to serve as your trusted guide and partner, someone who can provide the guidance you need to achieve meaningful growth and the empathy and support you need to fully and joyfully become the person you were meant to be.
In our work together, I will draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches and treatment strategies that reflect your values, life experiences, therapy goals, and the nature of the issues we’re exploring. I don’t subscribe to a “one-size fits all” approach to the delicate work of enacting positive change. My approach is more holistic and may include some or all of the following:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): You may already have heard about EMDR as a proven, evidence-based method for processing trauma and alleviating the debilitating symptoms associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, properly applied, EMDR can do much more than this. It can relieve the pain and distress of divorce, the loss of a loved one, career upheavals, and serious illnesses. I have also found it effective in treating depression, anxiety, addictions, and phobias.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART): ART is a relatively new evidence-based method for treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, pain, and other issues that may negatively impact your sleep, self-esteem, or relationships with others. It is derived from EMDR therapy but is far more directive, can be administered in a shorter amount of time, and is easier to learn. Using a combination of techniques used in other traditional psychotherapies, ART helps you create new images of past traumas, using eye movements to enhance the process and increase relaxation. ART works directly to reprogram how distressing memories and images are stored in your brain so they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions. Rapid recovery from symptoms and reactions that may have been present for years can typically be achieved in 1 to 5 sessions.
Brainspotting: Brainspotting is a relatively new type of therapy developed by David Grand, Ph.D. through his work with survivors of trauma, including first responders from 9/11. Grand was trained in EMDR and adapted that protocol into Brainspotting, based on his research. It is an effective form of therapy for mental health concerns that include trauma, anxiety, mental blocks, physical pain, and negative emotions. According to Grand, where you look can affect how you feel. In Brainspotting, you are seen as the expert on yourself, while the therapist is in a supportive role. The goal is to access your self-healing capabilities and help process stored trauma and negative emotions.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): In his groundbreaking book about healing trauma, psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk famously wrote, “The body keeps the score.” This means we cannot enact change by focusing solely on our thoughts and emotions. We must also consider how these influence and interact with our bodily awareness. I will provide you with MBSR tools that address the “three C’s” of the mind/body connection: calming the body, correcting thinking, and confronting fears. You’ll learn to employ these tools to ground yourself and recover your composure whenever you begin to feel overcome by stress, rage, fear, or sadness. Mindfulness makes it possible to change how we feel and react to people and situations in the present moment when it matters most.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is another cognitive/behavioral treatment approach I may draw upon in our work together. The term “dialectical” means synthesis or integration of opposites, which reflects its dual focus on developing a set of “acceptance-oriented” skills (mindfulness and distress tolerance) and “change-oriented” skills (emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness). Research has shown DBT to be highly effective in treating substance abuse and dependence, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and many other issues.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a solution-focused treatment that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. If you’re contending with anxiety or depression, I’ll employ CBT techniques that enable you to identify and change the harmful patterns of negative thoughts and behaviors that are currently undermining your health and happiness. I’ll also show you how to apply CBT techniques yourself to develop and enhance your problem-solving skills.
I understand that every person, family, and relationship is unique and will work in close collaboration with you to develop the therapeutic strategy that will help you become the fully authentic and empowered person you have always wanted to be. Together, we will ensure that you have the tools to harness your innate creativity and strength and achieve your unique human potential.