Therapeutic Approach
I focus on using techniques informed by evidence-based treatments, which are methods grounded in the best available research and that have been scientifically proven to achieve results. This is balanced with empathic validation, a non-judgmental therapeutic relationship and listening closely to what isn’t being said. My priority is to ensure that our work aligns with your interests, values and goals.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on working through specific current problems by looking at the interconnected relationship between our thoughts, feelings and actions or inaction. The idea is that many of the challenges that people face are connected to unhelpful ways of thinking and learned patterns of unhelpful behavior. With CBT we modify unhelpful thinking patterns, replacing them with more realistic and balanced thoughts. We also focus on identifying and changing behavioral habits that aren’t working well or causing problems. CBT has been demonstrated to be effective in treating a range of mental health struggles, physical conditions and behavioral problems.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-Informed Skills Training
DBT is empirically validated for a variety of issues including symptoms of depression and anxiety. While DBT was originally developed for suicidal individuals and is well known for treating borderline personality disorder, it is not just for severe psychiatric conditions. DBT focuses on developing interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, mindfulness and distress tolerance. The term “dialectical” means a synthesis/integration of opposites with the primary dialectic within DBT being the strategies of acceptance and change. I don’t currently offer comprehensive DBT services, however I do provide individual DBT skills coaching and DBT-informed treatment. (see more information under services)
Is it okay if I don’t even know where to start?
It’s okay if you don’t even know where to start. You just need to find the willingness to take a first step. We’ll take it step by step and figure it out together. We would start by discussing what brings you to therapy and create goals to establish a plan for treatment. I primarily use DBT-informed CBT and am able to create a blend of interventions to meet your unique needs.