Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a foundational therapy that focuses on the  interaction of feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Our minds can often be on auto-pilot, recycling the same unhelpful thoughts daily. This impacts our moods and feelings, and we can get stuck in negative spirals, especially when facing a life crisis or prolonged stress. CBT is effective in shifting one’s emotions through increased awareness and observation of our thoughts and behaviors. There are many powerful tools to assist clients between sessions, which makes therapy more effective.  

It is key that the client takes an active role in guiding the therapeutic relationship and goals.  We will set goals at the outset of our work, and review/revise them quarterly. I use different measurement tools to monitor progress, and to empower my clients to provide feedback on how effective therapy is and the level of trust in our relationship. Clients commit a lot of  time, energy, and money to therapy, and it is important to me that those investments feel worth it.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) utilizes values as a way to act intentionally, even through the hardest of experiences. By moving toward a process-orientation instead of  a singular focus on a desired outcome, we can center on what we can control. Values-based exploration and actions provide a helpful grounding in times of stress and uncertainty.

Mindfulness and self-compassion are cornerstones of my approach, both as a clinician and in helping clients. I am fully present in session, and support clients’ growing kindness toward themselves and the experience of having difficult emotions. Gaining familiarity and  confidence in meeting our emotions and thoughts is key in improving our sense of agency and hope.