My Approach to Therapy

I have been doing individual and couples therapy for over 10 years.  In that time, I have been able to identify four key aspects of therapy that have helped make it successful.  Many of these come from core social work values that I was taught in college and others simply come from my own experience as a therapist.

I use an eclectic style of therapy, pulling from many different modalities. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapies, narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy.  I also have been training in the Gottman method of couples therapy as well as emotionally-focused couples therapy.  I have led groups covering topics such self-esteem, mood disorders, and chronic pain.

While working at a community mental health agency I received training in both Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) I completed my EMDR basic training in 2012.  I have also been to numerous trainings on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

After opening my own practice, I shifted my focus to trauma, relationships, and sexual health concerns.  More recently, I completed the Sexual Health Certificate Program through the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work (2020-2021).  I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and people in open, polyamorous or consensual non-monogamous relationships addressing relationship or sexual issues.  Sexual issues can range from pain disorders such as vulvodynia or pelvic pain, to erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.  I can address desire discrepancy with a couple or help partners heal from infidelity.   I also work with individuals impacted by sexual trauma or abuse.

Strengths-Based

Therapy focuses on resilience rather than just deficits.
Therapy is not just about solving a problem, it’s about finding the solution yourself based on the skills and values you already have. Therapy is about uncovering strengths as much as it is about solving problems.

Person-in-environment

It's about you and where you come from.
Depression, anxiety, and stress look and feel different to every person. Likewise, solutions to problems depend on the person and the world in which they live.

Trust and Connection

Knowing and feeling comfortable with your therapist
I tend to have a friendly, open approach to therapy. Building a strong rapport with my clients has always been of utmost importance to me.

Acceptance

You are who you are, and that is great.
Acceptance is an often controversial topic, mostly because we often don’t want to accept. Acceptance is being able to say “It is what it is”. The great thing is, you don’t have to like it!

Therapy Types:

Client Concerns

  • Abandonment/Attachment Issues
  • Abuse/Abuse Survivor Issues
  • Addictions/Compulsions
  • Agoraphobia
  • Anger/Irritability
  • Anxiety/Panic Disorders
  • Bipolar
  • Career Issues
  • Caregiver Issues / Stress
  • Chronic Pain
  • Codependency
  • Communication Problems
  • Control Issues
  • Depression
  • Disability/Chronic Illness
  • Dissociation
  • Divorce/Divorce Adjustment
  • Family Problems
  • Fear/Phobias
  • Grief/Loss/Bereavement
  • Health/Illness/Medical Issues
  • Identity Issues
  • Inadequacy
  • Internet/Gaming Addiction
  • Isolation
  • LGBTQ Issues
  • Obsessions and Compulsions (OCD)
  • Relationships and Marriage
  • Schizophrenia
  • Self-Confidence
  • Self-Criticism
  • Self-Harm
  • Sensitivity to Criticism
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Sexuality Issues
  • Shame
  • Social Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Suicidal Ideation and Behavior
  • Trust Issues
  • Worry
  • Young Adult Issues