How I Might Help

There are times when life circumstances can become “too much”. Too much sadness, anger, worry, fear, frustration and we become aware that “something is not working” in our life. That “something” might be a depression, anxiety, a relationship, a loss, an illness (mental or physical), an addiction, parenting, abuse past and present, ADHD, school, work or a combination of any of these issues. Whatever that “something” may be, at some point we may realize, We are not living the life we want. “Something” needs to change.

It can be useful in moments of doubt, confusion and upset to seek some professional help. Friends and family, though caring and loving, often cannot provide an entirely objective point of view that is needed to offer really efficient help.

We start from a place of compassionate curiosity, and develop a relationship based on trust in which I listen and ask questions to allow you to find some answers, and more clarity with neither judgment nor overprotection. I serve as a helping hand, a guide and I offer a safe place for you to explore the choices and decisions you have made about yourself, and your capabilities, what you believe is possible. We work together to consider possibilities and perspectives some of which may not have been considered or seem possible right now. I work to act as a resource for you to help you get a good start, know what makes sense for you, and connect with your inner strengths. I believe all of us are capable of having meaningful relationships and creating the life we want and of course that includes you.

What I Offer

I work with adults, couples, families and teens. I am culturally sensitive and provide a welcoming space for all humans regardless of race, religion, gender and sexual preferences/orientations. I am trained and competent to work with the following issues: anxiety, addiction/recovery, ADHD, bipolar, depression, emotional crises, life transition, childhood and adult trauma, grief and loss, divorce, relationship issues, blended families, parenting, learning differences.

I have a holistic understanding of the brain, mind, body, emotions, spirit and relationships. I primarily use mindfulness based therapy combined with other various approaches based on your needs. A brief general description of some of these approaches along with mindfulness is included below. My work is evidence-based and supported by current research. I am dedicated to maintaining professional excellence and I enjoy continuing to learn and add to my training. I consistently exceed the amount of education hours required for me to maintain my license.

Some of the Types of Therapy I Use

I struggle with describing the type of therapy “I do”. First because I don’t “do anything to you”, therapy is very much a “we” experience, you really know the most about you and in therapy we are wanting to learn more. Secondly, each person brings their unique experiences, ideas and needs to therapy. No one single type of therapy works with everyone nor is one specific type of therapy helpful to one person all the time. So please read below and use it as a general guide. I am sure I use many other therapy models than the ones listed here. I compiled these descriptions from a variety of places on the internet and from books. I put mindfulness first as I draw from those concepts most often, the rest are ordered in what I often find useful.

Mindfulness:

means paying attention with flexibility, openness and curiosity. Although the practice is most associated with eastern wisdom traditions. It is recognized as a universal tool for self-understanding and healing.

Relational:

We look at what your behaviors based on your past experiences as well as examine your relationships. The goal of our work is to empower you with the skills necessary to recognize and create productive and healthy relationships.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps you accept the difficulties that come with life. ACT focuses on three areas, Accept your reactions and Be present, Choose a valued direction, Take action.

Emotionally Focused Therapy: 

We work to create experiences that transform relationships and give rise to opportunities for healing and safety. You will be helped to better identify, experience, explore, make sense of, transform and flexibly manage your emotional experiences.

Mind/Body: 

Somatic Psychology (body mind psychotherapy, body-oriented psychotherapy, etc.) is a holistic form of therapy that respects and utilizes the powerful connection between body, mind and spirit. How we are in this world, how we relate to ourselves and others, is not just purely about the mind or our thoughts, but is also deeply rooted in our bodies and our spirits.

Humanistic: 

focuses on your potential and stresses the importance of growth and self-actualization. The fundamental belief of humanistic psychology is that people are innately good and that mental and social problems result from unhelpful beliefs or outdated coping strategies that pull us away from this natural tendency.

Attachment Theory:

is focused on the relationships and bonds between people, particularly long-term relationships including those between a parent and child and between romantic partners.

Experiential:

opens a door for you to become more aware of your own needs, motivations and patterns of behavior. We explore past and present relationships, unlocking buried negative emotions in those relationships that are directly affecting what choices you make in your life.

Psychodynamic:

The psychodynamic perspective asserts that in childhood certain experiences may occur that produce behaviors in adulthood. As children, we learned to take care of ourselves and survive in the best way we could. We developed beliefs, about ourselves and the world. Many of these early understandings become part of who we are and remain largely unconscious but are present in our day-to-day thinking, behaviors and interactions. Learning about our unconscious mind helps develop insight into why we are the way we are.