Therapy
I am heavily influenced by evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness. These techniques have gone through rigorous development and scientific trials to make sure they are helpful. However, having lived and worked in many different countries, I am keenly aware that the individual comes first, and I take great care in listening to you and making sure that treatment goals are tailored to you as an individual.
Therapy can be uncomfortable. Change is hard. I may push you out of your comfort zone. This is a normal part of the therapeutic process and often means that you are making progress.
Research tells us that what makes therapy most effective is having a supportive and authentic relationship with your therapist. That is why I place so much emphasis on getting to know you and creating an environment that is compassionate and open and allows you to feel understood, no matter what your background.
My Approach
I encourage individuals to embrace their humanness. That means recognizing that we all have greatness and messiness within us and that’s OK.
The work we do is about figuring out how to accept what IS and then applying that to your life. Ultimately, understanding yourself helps you translate your pain and suffering into wisdom, resilience, and meaning.
I provide a confidential, nonjudgmental space filled with trust, humility, and a little humor to help you meet your therapeutic goals.
What to Expect
Therapy will be a little different for each person. But there are some general steps I can tell you about that will help you know what to expect.
We begin with an intake session where I will ask you questions to help me understand where you are struggling and what are your strengths. We use this information to develop a treatment plan. Most plans will include weekly sessions that run for about 55 minutes each week.
During weekly sessions, I typically begin by providing you some specific tools and education. We use this information as a foundation to build skills and to create a shared vocabulary that allows us to better describe the experiences and emotions that are often hard to put into words. We also spend a great deal of time applying these skills to your unique situation and practicing new ways of approaching challenges. Practice is important to help you learn new habits of mind, avoid triggers, find resolution, change damaging patterns, and see a situation with fresh, problem-solving eyes.
The length of therapy will depend on what you would like to address. Some people come for a few months to learn specific skills to manage anxiety. For others, the process can last a year or more. In our initial sessions, we will discuss what makes sense for you and adjust that plan as needed.
Virtual Sessions
Please note that I am currently conducting only virtual therapy sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic and will provide the additional option of in-office visits once it is deemed safe.