PHILOSOPHY
I believe that in order to achieve your wellness goals you need to address not only your emotional health, but physical as well. Therapy is not necessarily a reactive approach to crisis, it can be a proactive way to enhance relationships and your personal well-being. My unique approach combines traditional psychotherapy theories with holistic healing and discussions on personal fitness and nutrition goals. A sense of wholeness is achieved by tending to our career and educational desires as well as our physical, social, financial, and spiritual selves. I will provide you with a therapy approach tailored to you, teach you relaxation techniques to manage stress, and work with you to identify realistic and achievable goals.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
I utilize both traditional therapeutic methods, as well as evidence-based treatments supported by current research. My integrative approach allows me to draw from different therapeutic strategies based on the needs of my clients, as opposed to a one-size-fits all approach.
Studies have repeatedly shown that the single most important factor in predicting successful treatment outcomes is the relationship between therapist and patient. I provide a safe, collaborative, non-judgmental environment for my clients to express themselves and feel understood. My integrative approach draws predominantly from the following:
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
CBT is a goal-oriented psychotherapeutic approach that takes a hands-on, practical approach to solving problems. This technique encourages modifying patterns of thinking and/or behaviors that are the source of your difficulties. When you change these unhelpful patterns, you are able to improve the way you feel. CBT can be helpful in treating a wide range of issues, including sleep difficulties, communication in relationships, anxiety, depression and many more. CBT is present-focused and tends to be more short term than traditional forms of psychotherapy. In CBT we explore the personal meaning you place on events and the impact this has on your behavior and outcomes.
STRENGTHS-BASED APPROACH
In this approach, you lead the direction of the session. With the focus on self-determination and your unique set of strengths, we can determine the path for successful, lasting future outcomes. You have experiences, abilities and knowledge that assist you. Together we identify these strengths and harness them to help you attain your goals.
GESTALT THERAPY
“Teaching means to show a person that something is possible.”
“Learning is the discovery that something is possible” - Fritz Perls, founder of Gestalt Therapy
This therapy technique focuses on gaining self-awareness of emotions and behaviors in the present moment, rather than the past. We work together, therapist and client, to help you increase awareness and understanding of your present desires. I encourage you to identify present needs, attain them and move on to your next goal.
HOLISTIC HEALING
REIKI
From Japanese words REI meaning spiritual wisdom and KI meaning life energy.
“The secret art of inviting happiness.” –Usui Sensei
Reiki is an Eastern technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. I administer Reiki by placing hands at close range, but not touching. All you need to do is remain seated in your chair. You will experience a warm, soothing feeling that flows from my hand to you. I will treat your entire being- body, mind, soul and spirit. Reiki is powerful and gentle, and works to improve the effectiveness of psychotherapy. Reiki is known to improve the healing of stress and trauma when used in conjunction with traditional psychotherapy techniques. You can expect deep relaxation which will help you become in tune with your desires for growth.
MINDFULNESS
“Paying attention to something in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.” Kabat-Zinn, 2003
Mindfulness begins with paying attention to something, it can be anything, perhaps your breath, eating, or even driving. It is followed by paying special focus—noticing the way your particular activity feels, sounds, how you experience it within. You have a set intention to focus on this activity in the present moment and cast away past stress or future doubts. It means to avoid all doubt, judgment or comparison of yourself while paying special attention. This technique is used in therapy to enhance relaxation and improve ability to manage feelings of anxiety and stress. I will provide you with techniques, tailored to you, and practice them with you in session. You can then take what you have learned and use it outside of session to manage difficult emotions or stressful situations