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.Person-in-environment
It's about you and where you come from.Trust and Connection
Knowing and feeling comfortable with your therapistAcceptance
You are who you are, and that is great.Therapy Types:
Sex therapy is a form of psychotherapy that addresses any and all of the relationship, emotional, mental and physical issues that impact one’s sexual experience. Sex therapy does not involve any physical contact with the therapist or require physical contact with a partner or partners while in session. Rather, sex therapy is like any other psychotherapy except that the individuals participating can feel comfortable and confident to address any sexual concerns with a therapist with specialized training in sexual health. Sex therapy may include addressing non-sexual issues such as depression, anxiety or trauma that may impact ones’ sexual health. It also may include exercises or homework assigned to couples to work on between sessions. For more a more detailed description, visit What Happens During Sex Therapy?
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