therapeutic methods & specialties
methods
mindfulness-based depth therapy
I am a mindfulness-based depth therapist. I encourage my clients to develop mindfulness and other related skills. Mindfulness is a perspective based in Eastern philosophies and spirituality, and is increasingly employed in Western psychology, with empirically-measured success. On a basic level, mindfulness is the practice of acknowledging and honoring what is (whether thinking patterns, emotional states, relational patterns, etc) in the moment, without judgment, while cultivating self-compassion. I guide my clients in becoming more conscious of their thoughts and emotions and how they are affected by them. This begins by first acknowledging the thought and accepting it for what it is, without judgment, which naturally leads to changes in the client’s actions and behaviors. The adage “seeing is freeing” applies here. Carl Rodgers, eminent psychologist, said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself as I am, then I can change.” Resistance and avoidance are common barriers to positive change and growth. I guide my clients toward acknowledging and befriending these barriers, so as to transcend them.
crisis management & cognitive behavioral therapy
In addition to depth therapy I also offer crisis management and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for stabilization and optimal functionality. This includes coping skills training for times of distress.
client-centered & strengths-based perspective
I work within a client-centered and strengths-based perspective, meeting my clients where they are, without agenda, and assisting them with their therapeutic goals. I also guide my clients in discovering, accessing, building on their strengths, resources, and inherent gifts. This approach is in contrast to a more medical, problem-focused approach, which has been found to be less effective. I have found that it is most effective in achieving positive change to learn to accept and lean into the present experience, while simultaneously focusing on where we want to be with our lives. If we only focus on the problem, change will be difficult. Focusing with compassion on where we are and where we want to be leads to positive and sustainable changes.
compassion-focused therapy
I have found compassion for ourselves and others to be two of the most effective agents for positive change. I have seen my clients progress exponentially in their goals and personal development as they develop more compassion toward themselves and others.
directive therapy
I am directive when necessary as a therapist. My over-arching philosophy is one of empowering my clients to uncover their innate potentials, and to refine their skill-sets, so as to reach higher levels of self-sufficiency. I believe in being directive and upfront when necessary, once the therapeutic relationship and rapport are sufficiently strong. Some clients are more interested in having a life coach than a therapist. If this is the case, I process this with the client to help clarify what they need from me to facilitate their goal attainment and maximum self-discovery. I provide my perspective on what my clients brings to session, while empowering them, and guiding them to a deeper level of self-agency.
systems model and interpersonally based therapy
We are all unique beings, comprised of a mix of life experiences, aspirations, revulsions, fears, hopes, conflicts, relationships, bodily experiences, etc. We are also part of larger systems and communities and are heavily influenced by them: partners, families, caretakers, community leaders, to name a few. My therapeutic approach is to help my clients to come to understand better how they affect and are affected by their communities, so as to help free them from old, unhelpful ways of experiencing life and relationships. Our relationships not only affect us profoundly, but they are reflections of our own psyches, providing us a helpful view into who we are. I help my clients lean into, and better understand these relationships, whether in couples counseling, family therapy, or individual work.
goal-oriented therapy
I help my clients to form and reflect on their intentions or goals for therapy. Goal-setting can be done compassionately, without an implied message that we are not enough in the moment. Together we identify and continually re-assess these shifting goals throughout the unfolding process. This increases client satisfaction and success rates, as clients have a concrete way of measuring progress. On the other hand, goal setting can get in the way of what is organically arising. I work with my clients to shine some light on their experiences in the present, and to accept with self-compassion where they are at in the present moment. I love the quote by W.E.B. Du Bois: "Be ready at any moment to give up what you think you are for what you might become.”
specialties
couples
An area of expertise and deep interest for me is helping couples to heal and refine their relationships. I help my clients to feel more secure in their relationships and understand better why they operate the way they do.
mindfulness
I train and coach my interested clients in the practice of mindfulness (or the art of observing while withholding judgment) as a way to bring about positive changes and live more consciously and compassionately. I have seen mindfulness training be hugely effective in treating anything from mood disorders and anxiety, to traumas and addictions, as well as just improving general wellness that comes from a more conscious and self compassionate life.
anxiety/depression & trauma/addictions
I also specialize in working with people suffering from anxiety, depression, some traumas and addictions. I specialize in the deeper work of addiction and trauma-- addressing what has contributed to keeping these addictions and traumas in place. I refer out to specialized addictions counselors or trauma workers when necessary.
sexuality/sexual orientation
One of my primary focuses has been to help those in distress with their sexuality/sexual orientation to find greater levels of self-acceptance and a healthier and more integrated sense of self. I help these clients to remove impediments to growth: i.e. guilt, addictions, negative self-concept. Some of my clients, like myself, have come from Mormon, or other religious or dogmatic communities and cultures. Working through these conflicts toward a feeling of wholeness, in a more fulfilled, authentic, and autonomous existence is a big piece of my work.