Services
Individual Therapy for Adults, Teens, and Children
Adult Therapy
My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based approaches that are evolutions of classic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These include Unwinding Anxiety by Dr. Jud Brewer and Unified Protocol (UP). Developed by Dr. David Barlow and his team of researchers at Boston University, Unified Protocol is an innovative and empirically-supported treatment for the underlying root of anxiety, depression and trauma related disorders. It’s typically completed during 12-16 weekly sessions that are very active, present-focused therapy in which individuals are taught skills for managing strong emotions.
I utilize Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for helping individuals process trauma without having to dive into the details of difficult experiences, by focusing on the underlying meaning of how the trauma affects your life now.
I always integrate positive psychology and strength-based approaches by building on the personal character strengths and resources you already have within you!
Child & Teen Therapy
When working with children, I focus on building a sense of safety through play therapy, sand tray, and art therapy techniques. These familiar actives allow kids to feel more confident and in control to help gradually release negative emotions. During play, children can construct a microcosm of their own world providing the opportunity for them to practice regulating emotions within a supportive environment, resolve conflicts they can’t yet verbalize, and improve their self-esteem.
By integrating Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches, I empower children and teens to use flexible and positive thinking, instead of automatic or unhelpful thought patterns, that in turn improve their emotions and behaviors. I also directly teach a variety of coping skills such as emotional regulation with mindfulness and creativity, how to build a strong support system around them, and help them to develop consistent routines of sleep, nutrition, and exercise to support their mood, self-confidence, and holistic wellbeing.
Art Therapy
Art making naturally encourages self-exploration and expression that allows for vulnerability within a safe and controlled space. Colors, lines, and symbols act as a non-verbal language that communicate more than words ever could. The creative process also helps to calm the nervous system and provide cathartic release of emotions stored in the body.
Research has shown that art therapy is effective to help relieve anxiety and depression, enhance self esteem, improve relationships, and to process difficult experiences especially for trauma, illness, or grief. There are no art skills that are required and people of all ages can benefit from art therapy!