Counseling and Psychotherapy

I offer counseling and psychotherapy in an integrated model of care, providing a safe, supportive environment through a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship. This supports the process of recovery from emotional conditions, development of skills to improve mental and physical health, and empowerment, to live a meaningful, content, and fulfilled life.

Addressing the root of nearly all emotional conditions requires resolving traumatic experiences and managing life stressors more effectively. Constant exposure to chronic stress results in numerous physical health issues as well as chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, psychosis, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment (memory loss and diminished ability to think, learn, and concentrate). Similarly, traumatic experiences often underlie many long term physical health conditions. In addition, unresolved trauma can develop into detrimental coping mechanisms, cognitive dysfunction, long term changes to mood, behavior, relationships, and self-concept, intrusive memories, flashbacks and nightmares, physical and emotional distress, anxiety and panic attacks, memory loss, negative thoughts about self and others, diminished self-esteem, self-blame, loss of motivation and interest, isolation, the inability to feel positive emotions, and mental exhaustion.

Core issues are addressed by first identifying and acknowledging them, gaining a better understanding of their impact, and then reprogramming the mind and learning coping skills to better navigate life’s challenges.

Mindfulness of thoughts and self-talk patterns allows for change that results in increased emotional and physical well-being. Every thought creates an electrical and chemical reaction that not only affects the brain, but interacts with every cell in the body, even activating or de-activating genes in our DNA.

Past traumatic memories can be explored, processed, and reconsolidated. This allows for mental and somatic traumatic remnants to be cleared, dissolved and released through the empowerment of agency and focused awareness. My process for resolving trauma related issues starts with a focus on emotional regulation, overall stability, increased resilience and ability to tolerate typical stressors. With a stronger foundation, the individual is better prepared to respond to past trauma, unexpected and expected, and trauma triggers while maintaining the nervous system within the window of tolerance and preserving a sense of control and choice.

Therapeutic Approaches

Mindfulness Based Therapy – Breathing techniques, meditation, visualization, grounding, and focused awareness are strategies that help return to the present moment, fully experiencing life as it is, becoming more aware of personal needs, thought patterns, emotions, body sensations, and energetic sensory input. Awareness without judgment leads to the wise mind.

Acceptance and Commitment and Therapy – through the acts of accepting, observing, defusing, staying with the present moment, and committed action support radical acceptance, making values based choices and decisions, and a commitment to change.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – an evidence based approach focused on balancing acceptance and change, regulating emotions and stabilizing behaviors, and structured with a framework of practical skills that supports accountability; skills modules teach mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal relationships.

Somatic Based Therapy – a variety of body-oriented strategies which help to discharge energy and tension stored on the body as a result of trauma. Clients learn how to regulate the nervous system and remain within the “window of tolerance”.

Thought Field Therapy – an evidence based approach addressing fear, pain, and negative emotions and behaviors by using specific sequences of tapping on energy meridian lines. Clients focus attention on a feeling associated with the identified issue and then are given an algorithm specific to the problem.

Internal Family Systems – based on a model that the human psyche consists of sub-personalities (parts) and the Self; parts include exiles and protectors. Parts emerge as a result of trauma and emotional wounding and are often in conflict with one another. By turning inwards with self-acceptance and compassion, these often hidden parts can be acknowledged and comforted, resulting in a positive change in internal dynamics.

Jungian Therapy – a variety of strategies including “shadow work”, archetypes, symbolism, and dreamwork, used in integrating the conscious and the unconscious and moving to move toward individuation and meaning making.

Transpersonal Therapy – an exploration of consciousness, spirituality, and holistic aspects for growth, development, self-actualization, and transformation.