My overarching theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioral, which emphasizes the relationships among thoughts, feelings and behaviors, as well as changing maladaptive ways of thinking and acting in order to feel better. This often means spending time in therapy clarifying personal values and goals, as well as developing the necessary interpersonal, emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills for achieving them.
I focus on interventions that are evidence-based, meaning that there is research showing that they work for specific problems. This does not mean that therapy is “one size fits all.” I collaborate with my clients to develop treatment plans that integrate effective techniques for their presenting concerns with their unique goals, preferences and strengths. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that supports collaboration by being active in sessions, warm, genuine, curious, and, hopefully, a little bit humorous.
While no therapist can guarantee success, I find therapy really is most effective when therapist and client work together. To that end, I collaborate with my clients to make sure they feel understood, empowered and that they are getting what they hoped for from treatment.
