In an initial consultation we’ll see if we are a good fit for each other. That’s so important! It starts with a free 15-minute phone or video call. We’ll discuss what has moved you to seek therapy and what you hope to learn from it. I’ll be open to answering your questions about me – my training, approach, and methods, as well as simple but sometimes tricky things like scheduling, fees and insurance.
Shame-free Strategy
As a therapist with over a decade in this field, my primary goal is to establish a warm and shame-free therapeutic experience with my client. Together we will explore strategies to promote wellness and develop resilience and strength. My approach is collaborative, respectful, strength-based, and flexible.
An Approach that’s Right For You
What I’ll do once I know more about you, and what works best for you, is to integrate my relational approach with evidence-based interventions that best match your individual needs and promote your strengths. I draw primarily from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, and a neurobehavioral model of addiction treatment.
About Addictions
A person’s experience with addictions (substances and behaviors) can be complex and terribly challenging, and therefore the treatment must match this, and also be complex, dynamic and fluid. It’s an area of personal exploration that requires a therapist familiar with this space who has experienced many years of hearing individuals’ unique stories, and seeing commonalities that can help each one to find comfort in a way that works for them.
Have you been questioning how “normal” your use is?
Have you noticed your intention to control your use has been unmet?
Are you chasing a hope this time it will be different?
Have you maintained recovery for a period of time but some you’d like some added attention in this area?
I help people who are motivated to explore their relationship with substances and reach the place where they take back control of their own life. This may start by us collaboratively outlining your goals – do you stop, reduce, or maybe you aren’t sure yet? As this process develops, so does the understanding of what is driving your use. Then we can transition to repairing and healing this source of struggle.
My work also focuses on individual therapy for the loved one or family member of someone who is dealing with misuse or addiction. Spouses, adult children, and parents find relief in working towards better understanding their experience, navigating difficult decisions and maintaining love and boundaries in their families.
The Trouble with Trauma and PTSD
I work with trauma to address the fear, helplessness and shame that can trouble a trauma victim for most of their life if left untreated. I have found that the use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) within a relational psychotherapy to be the most complete way of addressing the biological, psychological, social and spiritual injuries resulting from trauma.
More often than not addictive behaviors are found to have a background in trauma experiences, earlier or contemporary in life. EMDR has been shown to address addictive cravings, as well as the post traumatic emotional dysregulation that can fuel the development of addiction.
For more information: EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) https://www.emdria.org
We All Need a Boost, Sometimes Just a Nudge
I help men and women get more relief and happiness through individual therapy that is tailored to your needs. Very often we find ourselves feeling off, anxious, irritable, and stressed. Perhaps we can put our finger on what is triggering these feelings, and sometimes it feels mysterious and confusing. Are you transitioning from school to work? has there been a relationship challenge? We can work together to understand a sense of where your anxiety, depression or stress originates, and how to best cope. This can sometimes include looking at patterns over your life and examining relationships, attachments, past experiences in order to build off of your resilience and target strategies to experience more stability, happiness, and wholeness for today and tomorrow.