My Approach
My approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that people have the knowledge and strength within themselves that is needed to solve their problems and to make effective changes in their lives. My primary goal in the therapeutic partnership is to guide you in identifying and following your inner wisdom, thereby developing a stronger sense of self throughout the process.
Having been involved in the social work field since 2004, I’ve found that the most important thing in working with people is to develop a relationship that is open, collaborative and safe. Once this is established, I use my clinical skills, training, and intuition to show you your strengths and areas of improvement. Using both, I believe that you can develop a healthy level of awareness, understanding, and acceptance which is needed in order to make effective changes in your life.
I operate on the belief that therapy does not have to be a never-ending process. It is my experience that therapy can be done in a short term period, provided that you are ready to work. Because I believe that you are the expert in your life and you know what is best for you, my job is to guide you in finding an approach that works for you.
Techniques that I use in my practice always depend on the person and their specific needs. I am trained in a psychodynamic approach, a level I practitioner of Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), and Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP). I am skilled at using elements of modalities such as psychodrama, motivational interviewing, interactive journaling, creative arts, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I am also very familiar with the 12-step model and am able to weave in the principles in my clinical work. However, it is important to note that I am not providing services that are freely given at 12-step meetings, such as service, fellowship and sponsorship.