Areas of Expertise
01
ADHD
I use CBT as a therapy to target the dysfunctional thoughts and feelings that are preventing clients from managing time, completing projects, and scheduling their life. CBT trains the ADHD brain to instead think, “Let me look at what’s involved so I ensure I make the deadline.” Essentially, it replaces your dysfunctional thought patterns — which have gotten you into trouble before — with functional patterns that help you get the job done. I have been coaching and counseling college student and adults with ADHD for over twenty years.
04
Body Image Dissatisfaction
Despite ongoing criticism of strict beauty ideals, cosmetic surgeons and diet pill manufacturers continue to thrive and tolerance for body flaws seems to lessen every day. More and more people have begun to internalize a need for physical perfection. And the psychological distress that accompanies body image dissatisfaction leaves many individuals in a long-term struggle. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for body image dissatisfaction to help clients let go of self-judgment and preoccupation with body image. Mindfulness and acceptance approaches target the underlying anxiety and perfectionism that keep many trapped in destructive relationships with their bodies.
Anxiety/Depression
02
In treating anxiety and depression, I incorporate mindfulness practices and principles that are applied to aid individuals in recognizing deterioration of mood without immediately judging or reacting to this change. This enhanced internal awareness is then combined with cognitive therapy in which I teach individuals to disengage from maladaptive patterns of repetitive negative thinking that contribute to their anxiety and/or depression.
05
Life Transitions
Transitions are a natural part of life: marriage, birth, death, a move, a new job, divorce, retirement, aging – the list goes on. And through it all, the one constant we can count on is change. And with change can come emotion, good and bad, the byproducts of which may include stress, problems with sleep, fear, fragility, vulnerability, or depression.
I help clients who are experiencing a life transition adjust to change, navigate their challenges, and discover new coping strategies that allow them to better adapt in uncertain or difficult times.
“You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather.” – Pema Chödrön
03
Addiction
There’s no cure for addiction and simply telling a person to stop doesn’t work. Fortunately, however, there are effective ways to treat addiction. What treatment is best depends on various factors and circumstances, such as severity of the addiction and whether there’s accompanying mental health conditions (like anxiety or depression) In addition to psychotherapy, I use motivational interviewing and teach coping strategies as a way to assist clients in staying abstinent.
06
Chronic Pain/ Illness
I provide psychological support to those experiencing chronic pain or illness as well as to those who care for them. I understand that illness, pain and grief can cause distress and affect one's sense of identity and self-worth, often leading to anxiety and depression.
I am keenly aware of how pain and chronic stress impact one's body, spirit and mental health. As a person-centered therapist I use current neuroscience information, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, spirituality and mindfulness to help clients who are suffering. Through therapy, clients learn to minimize pain and stress, and experience life more fully
