SERVICES
Services
The most important thing in therapy is you. Your comfort, your goals, and who you are as a person. I work collaboratively with you to find what works best for you, which may or may not be what works for somebody else. For that reason, I don’t just take one approach. I use a number of different psychological theories and practices to customize counseling to fit your specific needs. Theories I often use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness approaches. I also have training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy. However, I value empathy, understanding, and compassion above any psychological theory. This includes helping you gain greater understanding and greater compassion towards yourself.
I understand talking to a complete stranger can be a bit intimidating. I don’t just stare at you and expect you to talk. I believe therapy should be interactive, and the responsibility shouldn’t be solely on you to keep a conversation going. I actively participate in therapy to the extent that seems appropriate for you.
Having a background in art therapy, I also often use art as a way to help you communicate thoughts and emotions. The art process itself can also be healing and restorative. Of course, art is only used if it seems appropriate and is something you feel comfortable with.
I care deeply for my clients and am passionate about the work I do. Below is a list of just some of the problems that we can address in counseling. If you are ready to restore balance to your life, I welcome you to call or email me.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Mood Disorders
We all have periods of time where we feel sad or anxious. But when these moods start to consume us, it is time to get help. Through our work together, you can start to evaluate patterns in your life that affect your well-being, create a different relationship with thoughts that influence your mood, and ultimately develop greater self-compassion and coping skills.
Food & Body
Both women and men can struggle with body image and self-esteem. To reduce the anxiety and shame, they may turn to food for comfort, restrict food intake, or engage in harmful or excessive compensatory behaviors. If you struggle with these issues, counseling may help you develop greater self-esteem, more mindful eating patterns, and better ways to manage painful emotions that lead to destructive behaviors.
Relationships
You found somebody to love. At first it is great, and the majority of the time you enjoy being together. Over time, as the newness in the relationship fades and problems become more pronounced, you may become dissatisfied but have difficulties letting go. My approach is to evaluate communication patterns, provide psychoeducation on healthy relationships, and help you either improve your relationship or navigate through the painful emotions of ending it.
Life Transitions
Change can be scary, even if it is a positive change. You may feel lost and confused as you start to shape a new identity. Whether it is ending a relationship or starting a new career, counseling can help you navigate through the rapids and waves of life. Through exploratory conversations and basic problem solving, we can figure out together how to overcome barriers and manage the stress of starting a new chapter in your life.
Social Skills
There is a social component to most mental health problems. You may feel lonely, but you get anxious around others. You may struggle with opening up, which makes it difficult for you to get close to people. Maybe you have difficulties being assertive, and as a result resentment builds. Or maybe you just can't seem to keep friends, no matter how hard you try. Counseling can help you change these patterns, feel more connected to others, and help you create a healthy social support network you can depend on.
Art Therapy
Art therapy can be a meaningful and effective treatment even if you think you are not good at art. Sometimes there are things that we want to say, but we just don't know how to say it. Visual art can often convey meaning that words alone cannot. Additionally, if you feel anxious in social situations and need a while to warm up to counseling, art therapy can be a wonderful alternative that relieves you from the pressure of talking. The art process itself can also be therapeutic and help you get in touch with your creative side.