What is Therapy?
Therapy is a sacred space for you to process difficult emotions and clarify your life path. Whether you are going through a painful transition or seeking additional support, therapy can be a monumental step in building a foundation for emotional stability and self-confidence. I strive to provide a compassionate, judgment-free, and affirming space for clients to verbalize past and current adversities. My overall clinical approach is for clients to create meaning and purpose in life, particularly out of painful experiences. Together, we can cultivate hope and pathways for healing.
Psychotherapy is a tool to build insight and awareness on what you need to live authentically. I utilize a combination of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to best support clients.
I mostly draw upon the following approaches in working with individuals:
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Strength-Based Therapy
The Therapeutic Fit
The most important component to the success of treatment is the fit between the therapist and client. Before meeting, we will assess mutual fit and continue to evaluate the strength of the therapeutic connection
I am primarily psychodynamic, in that I explore your early life experiences and unconscious thoughts/feelings within therapy. The early stages of life are foundational for understanding a person’s emotional makeup and developing emotional security. We will thoroughly examine your early life experiences, your family of origin, and deeply held beliefs and patterns from the past that are no longer serving you.
I am also a believer in integrating behavioral strategies and interventions in helping you address and confront your present-day difficulties. We might use a cognitive-behavioral approach of monitoring and challenging negative self-talk. Or we might take an acceptance and commitment approach of increasing your tolerance of painful feelings/thoughts. Whatever method utilized is tailored to individual needs.
How Long Does it Take?
The therapeutic process consists of an initial 60-minute intake session in which I assess a client’s background, family history, trauma, current level of functioning, and coping strategies, etc. The first session is an opportunity to also mutually assess for a therapeutic fit. Subsequent sessions are 45 minutes long.
Generally, weekly sessions are the recommended treatment approach. Bi-weekly sessions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Clients who are in a short-term crisis situation can be scheduled for twice-a-week sessions.
Most clients will see a benefit in 3-6 months of treatment.