Areas of Expertise
Humanistic Therapy
First and foremost, I approach clients from a humanistic perspective. The humanistic perspective stresses that clients must be approached with empathy, compassion, and as unique individuals. This approach resonates with me as I view my clients as wonderful, amazing people who are looking for guidance and tools to find their own unique solutions to life's obstacles. I approach clients of all ages from the humanistic perspective.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
I have had years of training in behavior modification, beginning with experience in applied behavior analysis (ABA) for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This focus on behavioral principles has led me to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a marriage and family therapist. The CBT form of psychotherapy works with clients to focus on present problems and learn how their thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations (cognitive processes) affect their emotions, which affect their behaviors. I often use the CBT approach with adults and adolescents, although many children benefit from a modified form of CBT.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral treatment that was created to help with more severe forms of psychological symptoms, such as personality disorders and suicidal ideation. DBT is now used to treat a wide variety of symptoms and disorders. DBT focuses on teaching clients four types of skills: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. I teach DBT principles and skills to my adult and adolescent clients in individual therapy.
Other important therapeutic influences
As previously mentioned, I have previous experience with applied behavior analysis (ABA) and often use these behavior modification principles in my work with all children. Behavior modification principles apply directly to many common symptoms in children such as non-compliance, tantrums, problems in communicating, and difficulty with social skills.
I also am well versed in the Health at Every Size (HAES) and Intuitive Eating (IE) principles. I educate individual clients of all ages about the HAES principles and IE skills, if they are struggling with disordered eating or body image issues.