Individual Therapy

Approach to Therapy

Therapy is a space for non-judgment, curiosity, and compassion where clients work to increase their awareness regarding their behaviors, relationships, and emotional experiences. As a doctoral level psychologist, I am skilled at helping people identify goals, clarify values, and distill problems to their core elements. I occasionally recommend readings to enhance our work together. For some people, increased insight and awareness are the goals of therapy. For others, insight along with learning new skills and behavior change is desired.

My approach to the work is integrative and informed by a number of therapeutic modalities, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based interventions and principles
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Interpersonal/Relational Psychotherapy
• Motivational Interviewing

Therapeutic Style

When people are considering therapy, I encourage them to consider chemistry or “goodness of fit.” There is a certain degree of chemistry between therapist and client that is necessary for successful therapy. What does it feel like to sit in the room with the therapist? Do you feel like you can relate to the therapist as a person? What questions does the therapist ask? Do you feel safe and comfortable? Some of these things take time to develop – like any new relationship – but often there is an initial feeling that is important data to consider.

My style – I am warm and empathic. I approach with curiosity and without judgment. I am collaborative and often have a more active stance. I seek to explore with you and along side you so we better understand the nature and history of the presenting issues. I work to understand all of the various parts of the presenting issue – some known and well defined and others unknown or less clear. I listen to what is being said and what is not being said. I attend to process, patterns, and underlying dynamics. At times, I use humor. I focus on the therapeutic relationship to cultivate trust and connection. I aim to be honest and transparent. I follow the client’s lead and I align my approach with a person’s goals for therapy. At times, I am more directive and action-oriented and other times more exploratory and reflective. I incorporate mindfulness-based principles as a way to better get to know one’s self and experience of emotion. I encourage clients to skillfully engage with emotion instead of avoiding emotion. I endeavor to be emotionally attuned and present, kind and honest, thoughtful and unassuming.

Individual Therapy Services

Consultation/Evaluation – 60 minutes 

In the initial meeting, I will thoroughly assess treatment needs – this includes taking a detailed personal history and history of the presenting problem. When the evaluation is complete, I will offer an initial summary of my impressions and share my thoughts about a plan for treatment. If I feel that you could benefit from a treatment approach that I do not offer, I will discuss this with you and recommend other professional resources. 

Individual Therapy – 45 minutes 

Therapy sessions will generally occur once per week, or on a mutually agreeable schedule based on your treatment needs. Sessions are typically 45 minutes, unless otherwise arranged. The length of treatment varies and depends on a number of factors. I make my best effort to encourage direct and honest communication regarding goals for therapy and treatment progress. 

Common goals for individual therapy can include, but are not limited to: 

• Working towards a more accepting, non-judgmental relationship with self
• Improve skills and ability to better manage stress, anxiety, and mood
• Improve communication in relationships
• Increasing understanding of specific dynamics in relationships or other life patterns
• Improve self-esteem
• Achieving greater balance (i.e. emotional, work/life, activity/passivity, etc.)
• Working through confusion with regard to identity, life goals, or relationships
• Exploring one’s relationship with substances to better understand their impact and work towards change, if desired
• Better moderate substance use or abstaining from use
• Identifying and learn best ways to support loved ones experiencing difficulty with mood or substance use problems – while also taking care of oneself
• Improve self-care  

Adjunctive Support 

I frequently work with other healthcare professionals, supplementing a person’s ongoing therapy with additional skills-based work. This typically involves moderation and relapse prevention skills related to a person’s substance use or other compulsive behaviors.