THERAPY
My practice is informed by Emotionally Focused Psychotherapy, Emotionally Focused Couples/Family Therapy, Play Therapy, Narrative Therapy (recreating the stories of your life, building new patterns and responses) and Interpersonal Neurobiology (making healing changes in the brain!) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.I am also an EMDR therapist. I use an eclectic style of therapy and also draw from: Child Parent Relationship Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (and related disorders), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Attunement/Attachment, Internal Family Systems, Heartmath, Expressive Arts, Sand Tray, Rhythm, and Spirituality.
I work from a systemic viewpoint, which means I notice how you have been impacted by the various systems around you. I believe that people do not live in isolation, but connected (if we like it or not) to systems made up of relationships (past or present), I work with either one person, or with several, depending on what is best for you, and I will assist you in unraveling the barriers to your journey. I never view the individual as the problem, but look more broadly at patterns of interaction, past or present trauma, and various system breakdowns that cause emotional pain (relationships, family, school, work, community, spiritual organizations, sports, and even past therapy).
After just a couple of sessions my clients report feeling a sense of sanctuary and hope in my office, and a building of trust in the relationship and in therapy itself. Many notice significant change quickly as they begin to process the barriers to their goals and gain useful tools. I consider it a profound honor to engage with people and hear their story, and become a witness to their healing and victories.
For more information
Emotionally Focused Therapy http://www.emotionfocusedclinic.org/whatis.htm
http://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/emotionally-focused-therapy
Interpersonal Neurobiology http://www.drdansiegel.com
Mindfulness and the Brain http://www.mindful.org
I work from a systemic viewpoint, which means I notice how you have been impacted by the various systems around you. I believe that people do not live in isolation, but connected (if we like it or not) to systems made up of relationships (past or present), I work with either one person, or with several, depending on what is best for you, and I will assist you in unraveling the barriers to your journey. I never view the individual as the problem, but look more broadly at patterns of interaction, past or present trauma, and various system breakdowns that cause emotional pain (relationships, family, school, work, community, spiritual organizations, sports, and even past therapy).
After just a couple of sessions my clients report feeling a sense of sanctuary and hope in my office, and a building of trust in the relationship and in therapy itself. Many notice significant change quickly as they begin to process the barriers to their goals and gain useful tools. I consider it a profound honor to engage with people and hear their story, and become a witness to their healing and victories.
For more information
Emotionally Focused Therapy http://www.emotionfocusedclinic.org/whatis.htm
http://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/emotionally-focused-therapy
Interpersonal Neurobiology http://www.drdansiegel.com
Mindfulness and the Brain http://www.mindful.org
Therapeutic Relationship
What I have found to be true and research bears out, is the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist, regardless of client age, is the single most deciding factor for success. Over the years my clients have shared with me that our relationship in therapy has been extremely meaningful to them, propelled them forward, and that they have felt safe to share and explore new ways of thinking, as well as allow themselves to delve into areas that have impacted their enjoyment of life as well as their decision making. Clients often even boldly re-write portions of their story, and make significant changes once they find they are walking their own path, not the path etched out by pain, loss, and anxiety. It is a joyful moment when a client completes treatment and shares that learning to believe in themselves, and follow their path has been life changing. I love my work, and believe in my clients and their dreams, so come and let’s dream a dream, and let’s build a path for you to travel.
What I have found to be true and research bears out, is the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist, regardless of client age, is the single most deciding factor for success. Over the years my clients have shared with me that our relationship in therapy has been extremely meaningful to them, propelled them forward, and that they have felt safe to share and explore new ways of thinking, as well as allow themselves to delve into areas that have impacted their enjoyment of life as well as their decision making. Clients often even boldly re-write portions of their story, and make significant changes once they find they are walking their own path, not the path etched out by pain, loss, and anxiety. It is a joyful moment when a client completes treatment and shares that learning to believe in themselves, and follow their path has been life changing. I love my work, and believe in my clients and their dreams, so come and let’s dream a dream, and let’s build a path for you to travel.
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
So often a feeling of “disconnect” or “isolation” occurs when people struggle with anxiety and depression when they sense they don’t belong, or “fit in”. Sometimes just attending social gatherings, school, or work can be a challenge and wreak havoc on engaging in life. This can be the result of life hurts, trauma, frustrating patterns we have learned, as well as negative brain training, and sadly believing the lies we tell ourselves about our self worth, and our ability to live in wellness. So often people who struggle with OCD, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and trauma have a unique way of experiencing the world, and need help in creating new patterns, new brain paths, and new relationship with themselves.
These stressors can make life difficult, and even painful, until you are able to fully become yourself and mange emotions and responses that trouble you; cope with inner turmoil, and find the skills to believe in yourself and your dreams. Many of my clients with ADD, OCD, Anxiety, and Panic share they experienced these feelings daily, and at times it leads to depression or an overall feeling of “I’m Stuck" , but that therapy has freed them to a greater self awareness, and provided them the tools to live the life they were seeking. I hope to support you on this important path, and look forward to meeting you!
- Have you ever felt like you were a round peg trying to fit into a square hole?
- Do you tend to have a unique way of thinking or living, and it has caused you to feel stressed, anxious, or depressed?
- At times do you feel “out of touch” “disconnected” “all alone in a room full of people”?
- Maybe you simply want to feel happy, and find more joy in your life, or maybe you have a goal or dream you want to chase and need support in bringing that into reality?
- Have you experienced trauma that impacts the way you deal with relationships?
- Do you find it hard to trust?
- Does fear or anxiety prevent you from embracing your life?
So often a feeling of “disconnect” or “isolation” occurs when people struggle with anxiety and depression when they sense they don’t belong, or “fit in”. Sometimes just attending social gatherings, school, or work can be a challenge and wreak havoc on engaging in life. This can be the result of life hurts, trauma, frustrating patterns we have learned, as well as negative brain training, and sadly believing the lies we tell ourselves about our self worth, and our ability to live in wellness. So often people who struggle with OCD, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and trauma have a unique way of experiencing the world, and need help in creating new patterns, new brain paths, and new relationship with themselves.
These stressors can make life difficult, and even painful, until you are able to fully become yourself and mange emotions and responses that trouble you; cope with inner turmoil, and find the skills to believe in yourself and your dreams. Many of my clients with ADD, OCD, Anxiety, and Panic share they experienced these feelings daily, and at times it leads to depression or an overall feeling of “I’m Stuck" , but that therapy has freed them to a greater self awareness, and provided them the tools to live the life they were seeking. I hope to support you on this important path, and look forward to meeting you!
Individual Therapy
Adult Client
I have substantial experience working with adults. If you relate to any of the questions above let’s explore together the journey you have been on, and the one you are on today toward helping you find your path, and if you already found your path, I can help you explore how to have the vital, peaceful, and hopeful life you are seeking. Sometimes trauma, and various life circumstances have become barriers, I am here to provide you with support toward stepping over those barriers and engaging your true self, while attending to inner pain that calls out for attention. I have witnessed tremendous healing and growth in my clients as they have progressed through interventions built carefully for them, and I am honored that my adult clients share with me that their experiences in therapy have been profound and life changing.
If you are not sure what is "wrong" but just feel unbalanced, disconnected, or unmotivated, or if you have struggled with life issues that seem "easy" for others yet so hard for you, please call and talk to me about my work with adults and your specific concerns and how we can work to overcome and step over barriers to your path. Many of my previous clients have come to therapy and discovered that many of their difficulties stemmed from being "differently thinking" as seen in people with OCD, ADD, Anxiety, Panic, Trauma, PTSD, and more, and getting this information has set them free to explore life and develop new skills. My clients tell me that therapy has helped them get their footing and build their strength.
I will diligently embrace your therapeutic journey and support you as it takes great courage to embark on this course, and I acknowledge your bravery.
I specialize in treating Anxiety, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Depression, PTSD, Trauma, Stress, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Phobias, Stress, Relationship Difficulties, School/Work issues, Self-esteem, Panic, Dissociation, and more. I also specialize in treating Tourette Disorder/Tourette Plus Disorder and related tic disorders including related OCD/ADHD/Trichophilia.
*I save limited spots for adult clients seeking support with Dissociative Identity and Related Concerns including voice hearing.
If you are not sure what is "wrong" but just feel unbalanced, disconnected, or unmotivated, or if you have struggled with life issues that seem "easy" for others yet so hard for you, please call and talk to me about my work with adults and your specific concerns and how we can work to overcome and step over barriers to your path. Many of my previous clients have come to therapy and discovered that many of their difficulties stemmed from being "differently thinking" as seen in people with OCD, ADD, Anxiety, Panic, Trauma, PTSD, and more, and getting this information has set them free to explore life and develop new skills. My clients tell me that therapy has helped them get their footing and build their strength.
I will diligently embrace your therapeutic journey and support you as it takes great courage to embark on this course, and I acknowledge your bravery.
I specialize in treating Anxiety, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Depression, PTSD, Trauma, Stress, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Phobias, Stress, Relationship Difficulties, School/Work issues, Self-esteem, Panic, Dissociation, and more. I also specialize in treating Tourette Disorder/Tourette Plus Disorder and related tic disorders including related OCD/ADHD/Trichophilia.
*I save limited spots for adult clients seeking support with Dissociative Identity and Related Concerns including voice hearing.
Teen Therapy
My work with teens has been extensive, and I truly appreciate the amazing spirit teenagers bring to our world. The greatest compliment I have been given as a therapist was having my teen clients refer to me "the teen whisperer!". I will develop relationship with you as a teen and after building trust and rapport we can decide how to best meet your needs.
I am able to help you with the various areas teens have shared are of concern, including; relationship issues, school issues, peer related concerns, transitions, family difficulties or family transitions, decision making, bullying, abuse, grief and loss and self esteem. Many of my teens have worked with me to establish a plan to manage ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, OCD, Panic and Depression, and LGBTQ concerns; utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions. When appropriate I incorporate Family Therapy with Teens to provide the support and hope to reach for goals. If you are a teen who is struggling you can call and we can work together to assess your situation and work toward finding solutions. I have had extensive many years experience working with teens who have experienced trauma from domestic violence, abuse, sexual abuse, medical trauma, and grief and loss.
I draw from a wide range of interventions for teens including: Emotion Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Sand Tray, Art Therapy, Rhythm/Music Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Meditation, Attunement/Attachment Interpersonal Neurobiology and Child Parent Relationship Therapy. I even use aspects of Play Therapy for teens. I will collaborate around the best plan for each unique teenager. I also offer parenting strategies and therapy for parents of teens.
I specialize in treating anxiety, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Trauma, Stress, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Behavioral Problems, Peer Related Concerns/Relationship Difficulties, School/Work issues, Self-esteem, Panic, Dissociation, and more. I am a specialist in treating Tourette Disorder/Tourette Plus Disorder and related tic disorders including related OCD/ADHD/Trichophilia. *I save limited spots for teens seeking support with Dissociative Identity and Related Concerns including voice hearing.
I am able to help you with the various areas teens have shared are of concern, including; relationship issues, school issues, peer related concerns, transitions, family difficulties or family transitions, decision making, bullying, abuse, grief and loss and self esteem. Many of my teens have worked with me to establish a plan to manage ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, OCD, Panic and Depression, and LGBTQ concerns; utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions. When appropriate I incorporate Family Therapy with Teens to provide the support and hope to reach for goals. If you are a teen who is struggling you can call and we can work together to assess your situation and work toward finding solutions. I have had extensive many years experience working with teens who have experienced trauma from domestic violence, abuse, sexual abuse, medical trauma, and grief and loss.
I draw from a wide range of interventions for teens including: Emotion Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Sand Tray, Art Therapy, Rhythm/Music Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Meditation, Attunement/Attachment Interpersonal Neurobiology and Child Parent Relationship Therapy. I even use aspects of Play Therapy for teens. I will collaborate around the best plan for each unique teenager. I also offer parenting strategies and therapy for parents of teens.
I specialize in treating anxiety, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Trauma, Stress, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Behavioral Problems, Peer Related Concerns/Relationship Difficulties, School/Work issues, Self-esteem, Panic, Dissociation, and more. I am a specialist in treating Tourette Disorder/Tourette Plus Disorder and related tic disorders including related OCD/ADHD/Trichophilia. *I save limited spots for teens seeking support with Dissociative Identity and Related Concerns including voice hearing.
Child Therapy/Family Therapy
Child Psychotherapy and Play Therapy
I have many years of experience working with children in education, parenting my own, and in psychotherapy.
For most children I use Play Therapy which is a research based highly effective treatment for issues related to children including: anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD, OCD, lack of compliance, aggression, peer related issues, school problems, tantrums, bed wetting, abuse, phobias and more. I provide child centered play therapy within a fully functioning play therapy room. Each session will provide your child the self-esteem growth, decision making, coping skills, emotional regulation, and social skills awareness, needed to overcome various barriers to a healthy and well satisfied childhood. It is a profound experience to work with children toward overcoming difficulties, building self-esteem, and processing troubling concerns. As a trained Play Therapist, I have spent years developing these skills to practice within this arena and provide this powerful intervention most useful for children. I often incorporate Sand Tray within my Play Therapy Sessions for all ages when indicated for the child’s treatment.
The development of mind, body, spirit and brain in children is critical to healthy growth, and a well rounded child! Play that happens in a specific prescribed play structure provides the children a way to express and talk about issues. Children say with toys what they have difficulty saying with words. In the Play Therapy experience toys are like the child's words, and play is the child's language.
Parents often ask about outcomes…what can we expect? The changes and outcomes most noted are:
I have many years of experience working with children in education, parenting my own, and in psychotherapy.
For most children I use Play Therapy which is a research based highly effective treatment for issues related to children including: anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD, OCD, lack of compliance, aggression, peer related issues, school problems, tantrums, bed wetting, abuse, phobias and more. I provide child centered play therapy within a fully functioning play therapy room. Each session will provide your child the self-esteem growth, decision making, coping skills, emotional regulation, and social skills awareness, needed to overcome various barriers to a healthy and well satisfied childhood. It is a profound experience to work with children toward overcoming difficulties, building self-esteem, and processing troubling concerns. As a trained Play Therapist, I have spent years developing these skills to practice within this arena and provide this powerful intervention most useful for children. I often incorporate Sand Tray within my Play Therapy Sessions for all ages when indicated for the child’s treatment.
The development of mind, body, spirit and brain in children is critical to healthy growth, and a well rounded child! Play that happens in a specific prescribed play structure provides the children a way to express and talk about issues. Children say with toys what they have difficulty saying with words. In the Play Therapy experience toys are like the child's words, and play is the child's language.
Parents often ask about outcomes…what can we expect? The changes and outcomes most noted are:
- Children learn to respect others and themselves
- Children learn that their feelings are acceptable (they also learn emotional vocabulary and appropriate responses)
- Children learn to express their feelings in appropriate ways (as children learn to responsibly control their feelings, they are no longer controlled by those feelings)
- Children learn to take responsibility for themselves and their actions
- Children learn to be creative and resourceful in confronting problems
- Children learn self-control and self-direction, they become more able to regulate their emotions
- Children develop self-acceptance
- Children learn to make choices and be responsible for their choice
For children experiencing divorce, grief, loss, adoption, and other life transitions Play Therapy is highly indicated as the most appropriate treatment, and I will work with you and your child toward healing, and developing the emotional strength to help your family heal. Seeking therapy for your child and family when life issues are in transition, or when things are difficult will help you and your child avoid the difficulties of trauma and pain in later life.
Family Therapy
For many families I provide Child Parent Relationship Therapy to help support parents with strategies and solutions, alongside the therapy their child is receiving. I have many years of experience with Play Therapy and Child Parent Relationship Therapy, and I have seen many clients and families make significant positive changes, build relationships, and develop communication. My families have reflected that learning these skills has made a huge positive impact on their family and how they interact together. Even my most skilled parents have stated that the parent training was paramount to understanding their child’s development, brain development and behaviors, and improving their overall enjoyment of family time. This modality has proven successful for all ages of children/teens. I also use Emotion Focused Family Therapy and Narrative Work with many families to manage problem behaviors, process trauma, or transition through difficult times. My families report positive and long lasting outcomes from this treatment, and state they are thankful to have these skills to use as they raise their children and teens. Therapy supports the important family dynamic, builds interaction skills and communication, and provides a platform for building emotional awareness.
* You can read more about CPRT on the Parent Strategy page.
* You can read more about CPRT on the Parent Strategy page.