APPROACH

 

MY APPROACH AND STYLE

My approach to psychotherapy is best described as mostly an integrative one. I often combine a variety of approaches to best fit the needs and circumstances of each unique and individual client. By combining elements from different theoretical orientations, models, and treatment approaches, integrative therapy is flexible, inclusive, respectful, and collaborative. This approach aims to promote healing on all levels-emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual. 

 

My style is interactive, dynamic and proactive. My approach is thoughtfully tailored to your individual interests, needs, circumstances, and life challenges, as well as to your therapy goals. I am trained to sit with difficult material, so you may be comfortable knowing that no subject is too much or off-limits. You will never have to worry about burdening me with your problems-I am here to offer a safe space to help you with resolution. I will ask questions and share my observations. I will help you become aware of your patterns. I will assist you in gaining insight into yourself and others in your life. I will help you to identify your inner resources and strengths, and to find your authenticity so that you may experience fulfillment, meaning, purpose, joy, and greater control of your life, as well as satisfying relationships.  I believe we are all continually striving for our natural state of optimal wellness.

 

I will help you acquire tools and skills to achieve desired changes. Sometimes a crisis brings people to therapy, and in such circumstances, tools and skills are invaluable for achieving stability. In an integrative approach, these tools and skills may also be used for prevention and for the development of healthy behaviors and effective self-care methods that may be practiced and valued over the course of a lifetime. For some people, our sessions are part of their ongoing journey of self-discovery and are a vital component of their commitment to health and wellness.

 

Studies have shown that the single most important factor in predicting successful treatment outcomes is the relationship between the therapist and the client. In this vein, I strongly believe that the quality of this relationship is of utmost importance for healing to occur. I strive to provide a non-judgmental, compassionate, relaxed, safe and warm environment for you, one in which you are able to express yourself and feel deeply understood. Your feedback in our collaborative process is greatly valued, and is also essential in order for me to help you have the best possible experience in our work together. 

 

You might be invited to explore tools and skills within our sessions or perhaps between sessions. Examples include: mindfulness exercises, breath work, writing exercises, articles, handouts, worksheets, roleplay, visits to websites, books, or apps. Additionally, if it seems you could benefit from a complementary approach, I might make suggestions or perhaps offer a referral to another provider (e.g. dietician, acupuncturist, body worker, etc.). It will always be your choice as to whether you engage in any of these practices.

 

​

​

These are some of the theoretical orientations, treatment 

approaches and models which I draw from, that inform my

work with clients. They are utilized to varying degrees,

depending on what brings you to therapy and what you

are hoping to achieve in our work together. I have

learned some via study over the years, and others I

have learned via extensive formal training and study.

​

•dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

•cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

•psychodynamic theory

•positive psychology

•polyvagal theory 

•Coaching Edge model

•Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

•Resource Tapping (EMDR-related technique)

•Integrative Nutrition and Medicine for Mental Health 

•Harm Reduction Psychotherapy

•Restorative Practices of Wellbeing-Neurobehavioral Interventions

•Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)-coming soon

​

 

 

​