Clinical Services

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Psychotherapy is a relational form of treatment that provides psychological healing to individuals by increasing a sense of well-being and reducing discomfort and distress.  It is a unique kind of professional relationship that offers relief from depression, anxiety, and other problems.  Psychotherapy also helps individuals navigate interpersonal stresses, cope with traumatic events, and reach important life goals.

My approach is both integrative and evidence-based.  As a relationally-oriented therapist, one of my guiding assumptions is that emotional well-being depends on having satisfying relationships with others. Psychological distress is often rooted in patterns of relating--both past and present.  One of my aims is to help my clients understand their patterns of relating to others and to experience new relational patterns in the context of a warm, supportive, therapeutic relationship.  The principles of relational therapy are drawn from self psychology, object relations therapy, intersubjectivity theory, and attachment research.  My approach also draws heavily from cognitive-behavioral methods of treatment.  Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on the premise that our thoughts (not external events) are intertwined with our feelings and our behavior.  By learning to recognize and challenge unhelpful, unrealistic, or distorted thoughts and beliefs, you can experience some relief from negative emotions and self-defeating patterns of behavior.

In recent years, therapists have come to recognize the value of contemplative practices in psychotherapy. I have incorporated mindfulness-based practices, such as meditation, in my work with adults and adolescents. Mindfulness refers to paying attention to present experience, with an attitude of acceptance.

In working with children and adolescents, I tend to view problems within a developmental and contextual framework. I find that the struggles that young people encounter are embedded within their relationships. In order to address most problems of childhood, it is crucial to strengthen the quality of family relationships.
EVALUATION AND CONSULTATION

In addition to providing psychotherapy, I also see children, adolescents, and adults for psychological testing and consultation.  Such evaluation might be important for diagnosing a specific learning disability, assessing general intellectual abilities, understanding personality functioning, or clarifying a mental health diagnosis. A psychological report is always completed as part of the assessment.  I can also be available to provide consultation to school officials and other professionals.

AREAS OF SPECIALTY
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Childhood behavioral disorders and parenting issues
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Anger management
  • Chronic illness and pain management
  • Forensic psychology

SUMMARY OF SERVICES OFFERED
  • Counseling and therapy for children, adolescents, and adults
  • Couples therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Psychological testing
  • Educational consultation

PAYMENT OPTIONS

I do not currently contract with any insurance carriers. I do accept checks, cash, or all major credit/debit cards.