PSYCHOTHERAPY

Psychotherapy starts with the premise that each person is unique. Therapy begins with the individual’s present experience. It is an interpersonal relationship where the individual client is at the center. Each session is about that individual. Only by discovering one’s true self and being appreciated for who one is at the core can one find the creativity to solve the issues that get in the way. I create a therapy relationship that is safe, a plan that is collaborative and empowerment ensues.

I have worked with individuals with small and large traumas. I have seen people through drug addiction, social isolation, depression, anxiety attacks, and negative feelings that prevented success at school and work. Many individuals feel they will become overwhelmed when asked to speak about traumatic events. I help the individual to feel control over how much he or she can tolerate and find the moments when readiness is self evident. We work with self control techniques that provide pleasant and calm arenas. Mindfulness, distress tolerance, relaxation and other cognitive techniques can be part of psychotherapy. The individual can balance positive soothing experience with the negative memories until the memories are tolerable and distanced from the self. Fear and powerless feelings no longer keep you captive.  Imagine this as It is very possible.

"How is change brought about in psychotherapy?  Change is based on lived experience...verbal understanding, explaining or narrating is not sufficient to bring about change.  An event must be lived with feelings and actions taking place in real time.. in a moment of being present.  Looking someone in the eyes who is looking at you and taking a deep breath while talking..."
Daniel Stern MD. from "The present moment in psychotherapy and everyday life."

There are a number of effective types of psychotherapy.  Some work better than others in treating certain disorders and conditions.  In many cases a variety of techniques can be used.
For most types of psychotherapy, you will be encouraged to talk about your thoughts and feelings and what is troubling you. Don't worry if you find it is hard to open up about your feelings. Your therapist will help you gain more confidence and comfort as time passes.


Supportive psychotherapy reinforces your ability to cope with stress and difficult situations
Psychodynamic psychotherapy helps you to increase your awareness of unconscious thoughts and behaviors, developing new insights into your motivations and conflicts.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones.
Dialectical behavioral therapy, a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches behavioral skills to help you handle stress, manage your emotions and improve your relationships with others.