I take a very collaborative approach with my clients and firmly believe that the most effective way to heal, grow and learn is to work from the ground up. This begins with creating a 
trusting and supportive relationship between therapist and client. A warm, nonjudgmental and co-creative space best allows people to work through challenging thoughts, feelings and issues and move forward in their lives. Developing a trusting therapeutic relationship is especially important with teenagers, and my success treating adolescents stems from my experience and ability to relate well with them and build a strong foundation to work from. I value authenticity, transparency and connection. I occasionally share personal, relevant details from my past in order to foster a stronger, deeper bond with my clients. We’re all dealing with the human dilemmas of change and challenge, and it can be helpful to mindfully share experience.
While there is so much that we share as humans, everyone brings their unique personality, history, needs and issues into therapy. This is why I create a tailor-made therapy strategy for each of my clients. Although I am trained and highly experienced in providing traditional talk therapy, I have and continue to engage in extensive training and work toward my own personal healing through adopting effective, innovative complimentary therapeutic modalities. I tend to take a holistic approach to healing, and believe that acceptance, growth and a healthier path forward come through a focus on the emotions and body as well as the thoughts. I continue to train and add tools to my repertoire so I can stay fresh and relevant while providing the best healing techniques and resources to my clients. I’m always learning, exploring and evolving both personally and professionally. There are so many tools out there to help, and the more I’m able to offer, the more quickly and effectively my clients are able to clear through pain and find a meaningful path forward.
I offer the following therapeutic approaches in addition to traditional psychotherapy, and generally develop a strategy using a combination of these tools to best support each individual’s healing and growth.
- Somatic Experiencing (SE)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Brainspotting (BSP)
- Bach Flower Essences
- HeartMath
- Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
- Hypnotherapy
In addition to working holistically and serving the needs of each individual, I also place a lot of emphasis on using experience as a catalyst for growth. For me, there are no right or wrong answers – just opportunities to learn. I am solution-focused and offer clients practical tools and strategies that can be used outside of the office to experience relief and promote improved functioning. I often lend out cds and other resources so my clients can learn how to help and support themselves immediately and in the future. In the short-term, it’s my goal to help you manage symptoms and find some comfort. In the long-term, it’s my goal that you exit therapy with clarity, confidence and solid tools to help you effectively and gracefully manage challenges on your own.
Whether you or your teenager are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma issues, self-harming behaviors or a difficult life transition, I can help. I provide a warm, grounded, compassionate and expansive space to mindfully explore thoughts, feelings and patterns without judgment. I offer practical solutions and a gentle approach. And, I’ll meet you or your teen where you are emotionally. In addition to normal M-F hours, I also offer evening appointments, can meet by phone or Skype if/when meeting in office is not feasible, and sometimes (most often with teens) will conduct sessions outside of the office to take a walk or get tea, which helps some clients feel more at ease and open up.
I invite you to call me for a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your specific needs and to answer any questions about therapy and my practice.