MY APPROACH

A Relationship for Healing and Growth:

Research has repeatedly shown that the relationship between therapist and client is the most important factor for determining treatment outcomes. Therefore, my main priority is to build a safe and respectful relationship with you that will allow for the healing and growth you desire. I begin with the understanding that there are two experts in the room. While I bring a lot of clinical knowledge to our sessions, you are the expert on you and your relationships. I believe in the resiliency and strength that each of us possess. We pursue therapy when the problem is too overwhelming or our own attempts to solve the problem have failed us. During our sessions, I listen deeply with the intent of getting to know you as a whole person, couple, or family system. I want to know about your history, your mental and physical health, what meaning you make of things, what solutions you have attempted, what resources are currently in place, and what outcomes you desire. Together, when we know what will make therapy successful for you, we will collaborate on goals for treatment. Treatment goals can be short-term or long-term in nature, it is entirely up to you. However, I hope to provide a therapeutic relationship that will be lasting and beneficial for you.

Integrative Care:

An integrative approach to therapy is beneficial in that it combines the best of evidence-based practices to help you function better mentally, emotionally, relationally, and physically.

Just as there is no one problem, there is no one single therapy that works for everyone. Therefore, I take an integrative approach, combining the best evidence-based practices to meet your unique needs and goals. Family systems, EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness are just some of the evidence-based approaches that I draw from in session. Unlike an eclectic approach to therapy that pulls together a hodgepodge of possibly contradictory concepts, I conduct a thorough bio-psycho-social assessment of the problem. This approach to assessing problems recognizes that individuals are whole beings comprised of interacting biological, psychological, social, and cultural forces. My goal is to learn how each of these elements contributes to the challenges you are now facing.

With a clear assessment, I can then recommend a specific therapy program for you. An integrative approach to psychotherapy is also about helping you function better in all areas of your life. People function better when all the different aspects of their being (biological, psychological, physical) are balanced and operating as an effective whole. The benefits of this more holistic approach include:

• Developing a clear understanding of what causes current challenges or problems.
• Learn what keeps you stuck in old patterns and triggers unhelpful behaviors.
• Develop the knowledge and skills needed to (1) manage challenges and (2) implement new, more productive behaviors.
• Develop alignment within yourself, so that your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are congruent.
• Begin to move forward based on your own personal goals and values.