Therapeutic Approaches

ACT may be right for you if you’re seeking a therapeutic approach that embraces acceptance, mindfulness, and taking action toward a meaningful life. It’s an invitation to embrace your humanity, your values, and the possibilities for growth and well-being. Instead of trying to eliminate or control unwanted thoughts and feelings, ACT teaches you to acknowledge them and make room for them in your life. ACT therapy can help you live a more fulfilling and meaningful life by helping you focus on accepting your thoughts and feelings and taking action based on your core values.

If you’re looking for a therapeutic approach that invites you to explore your inner world through art and creativity, art therapy may be right for you. This type of therapy is a supportive and engaging space where you can express yourself, discover new insights, and embark on a transformative journey. In art therapy, you don’t need to have any prior artistic skills or expertise. It’s not about creating a masterpiece; instead, it’s about the process of creating and authentically expressing yourself.

Through art, you can communicate and explore feelings that are too difficult to express. Art becomes a visual language that allows you to express emotions, memories, dreams, and aspirations. I use art therapy to help my clients address a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship issues.

If you’re looking for a type of therapy that focuses on creating positive change, CBT may be a good option. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It recognizes that our thoughts can influence how we feel and behave and that we can change our emotional response by understanding and challenging negative thoughts. You’ll learn to recognize and question these thoughts and replace them with more positive ones.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach that can help you develop new skills to cope with overwhelming emotions and improve your relationships. This type of therapy focuses on four main areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Mindfulness is about being present at the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. It helps you become more aware of your internal experiences and better understand yourself.

Distress tolerance skills teach you how to tolerate and survive intense emotions or stressful situations without making things worse. You’ll learn techniques to soothe yourself, distract from distressing thoughts, and find healthy coping methods when things feel overwhelming.

Emotion regulation skills are designed to help you understand and manage your emotions more effectively. You’ll learn strategies to identify and label your emotions, reduce emotional vulnerability, and develop healthier ways to express and respond to your feelings.

Interpersonal effectiveness focuses on improving communication and building healthy relationships. You’ll learn skills to set boundaries, express your needs and wants assertively, and navigate conflicts in a respectful manner.

DBT is inviting because it recognizes that everyone has strengths and struggles, and it offers practical tools and strategies to help you navigate life’s challenges.

The family systems approach to therapy looks at individuals within the context of their family relationships and how these dynamics influence their well-being. It recognizes that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected with those of our family members.

During family systems therapy, I create a safe and inclusive space for all family members to come together. My focus is not to blame or label individuals but to understand how the family functions as a whole and how each person’s actions impact others. I will explore patterns of communication, roles, and rules within the family system. By understanding these patterns, I can help identify any unhealthy dynamics or unresolved conflicts that may be causing your family distress.

If you are grieving, grief and loss therapy can offer you a safe space to heal, find comfort, and discover your own resilience. In grief and loss therapy, I will create a safe space for you to openly express your emotions, thoughts, and memories related to the loss. I’ll invite you to share your stories and memories of the person or thing you have lost. I will also help you process and make sense of the feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, or guilt that you are experiencing. Lastly, I will help develop coping strategies to manage the emotional and physical impact of grief.

If you’re looking for a therapeutic approach that honors your individuality, provides a supportive and accepting space, and encourages your own personal growth, person-centered therapy may be a great fit. Person-centered therapy focuses on your unique experiences, feelings, and needs. It recognizes that you are the expert in your own life and that you have the capacity for personal growth and positive change.

In person-centered therapy, I aim to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can freely express yourself. I will listen to you, seeking to understand your perspective without imposing my own judgments or opinions. I want you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and challenges at your own pace and guide the direction of our therapy sessions. Through person-centered therapy, I’ll help you gain clarity, build self-confidence, and enhance your overall well-being.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) is a therapeutic approach that can help you overcome the effects of traumatic experiences and reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It focuses on facing your fears and gradually approaching traumatic memories in a safe and supportive environment. By gradually facing and processing these memories, it can help to reduce the distressing symptoms associated with PTSD.

I will guide you through various techniques, including imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure. Imaginal exposure involves mentally revisiting the traumatic event while in a safe environment, allowing you to process and make sense of the memories. In vivo, exposure involves gradually approaching real-life situations or activities that you have been avoiding due to trauma-related fears.

I will also incorporate breathing and relaxation techniques to help you manage anxiety and stay grounded during the process. This will help you build a sense of mastery and resilience as you confront and process traumatic memories. Prolonged exposure therapy is evidence-based and has been shown to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms.

Strength-based therapy is an empowering approach that focuses on your personal strengths, resources, and resilience. It recognizes that you have unique qualities and abilities that can help you overcome challenges and create positive change in your life.

In strength-based therapy, I create a space where your strengths and successes are acknowledged and celebrated. Rather than solely focusing on problems or weaknesses, I work to highlight your existing capabilities and the positive aspects of your life. By recognizing and utilizing these strengths, you can build confidence, enhance your self-esteem, and develop effective strategies to address difficulties.

Trauma-focused therapy is an approach specifically designed to help individuals who have experienced trauma. It aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can heal from the effects of trauma and regain control over your life.

In trauma therapy, I will guide you through a variety of evidence-based techniques that help you understand and deal with traumatic memories, emotions, and physical sensations. This includes psychoeducation, which helps you gain a deeper understanding of your trauma and coping skills such as relaxation exercises, emotional regulation, and gradual exposure.

Trauma-focused therapy aims to empower you, helping you regain a sense of control, resilience, and self-compassion. It can help you process traumatic memories, reduce distressing symptoms, and improve your overall well-being.