Psychotherapy Approach

I practice Integrative Psychotherapy, which means that I utilize a variety of theories and techniques, with consideration to how they complement and enhance one another. This approach also involves connecting mind and body and integrating different aspects of one's experience (e.g., cognitive, emotional, physical, social). In general, therapeutic work involves developing new ways of thinking, behaving, expressing feelings, and interacting with others. The following are some of the approaches I utilize within Integrative Psychotherapy. Which approaches are used depends on a client’s preferences and goals.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Learn to challenge and modify distorted thoughts in order to change feelings and behavior.

Assess the pros and cons of changing behavior and continuing old patterns, and identify ways to enhance motivation and minimize barriers to change.

Develop the skill of Mindfulness, or observing the way your feelings come and go and finding ways to ride out feelings instead of reacting in unhelpful ways.

Monitor (record observations about) behaviors you want to change (e.g., eating) in order to understand what is contributing to problems and how to change behavior.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Gain insight regarding how past experiences and relationships have contributed to current problematic patterns.

Express feelings that have not been dealt with in the past in order to move forward.

Understand interpersonal patterns that have caused relationship difficulties as they occur in the context of the therapeutic relationship and learn more satisfying ways to relate with others.

Stress Management & Relaxation Techniques

Evaluate sources of stress as well as the mental, physical, emotional, and behavioral effects of stress.

Expand stress management strategies you already use and develop new ones.

Identify values and priorities, improve assertiveness and time management skills, assess barriers to self-care, and increase participation in enjoyable activities.

Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, meditation, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation.

Clinical Hypnosis

Hypnosis can be a useful tool in working with anxiety, depression, and eating issues.

Some people are more hypnotizable than others but most can experience a moderate hypnotic state, which involves inducing your body’s relaxation response and increasing focus and attention.

Examples of the use of hypnosis are visualizing a safe or relaxing place, gaining insight about feelings, mentally rehearsing new ways of thinking and behaving, and increasing motivation to change behaviors.