My Therapeutic Approach
I use an integrative approach, drawing from evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I create a warm, collaborative, encouraging environment that allows clients to gain skills and insight in order to work toward their goals and to improve their wellbeing.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a therapeutic approach that is effective for a wide range of problems. It is based on the idea that unhelpful ways of thinking and behavior patterns contribute to our emotional responses and mental health issues. I can assist you with noticing and addressing your thinking or behavioral patterns. In CBT, you learn better ways to cope with problems, and as a result, you will notice a decrease in symptoms and an increased effectiveness in your daily life. I will collaborate with you to understand the problem and develop a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is beneficial in treating a variety of psychological problems. Dialectic means “synthesis of opposites”. In therapy, I work with you to find ways to hold two seemingly opposite perspectives at once – moving away from all-or-nothing thinking and toward a both/and perspective that fosters balance. The core dialectic in DBT is acceptance and change.
There are four main components that comprise DBT: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Each component consists of a variety of skills intended to help reduce symptoms and build a fulfilling life. DBT is a behavioral approach in which we identify situations and actions that are impacting your life and make some actionable changes to improve your mental health.
The Four Components of DBT
Practice makes progress
There may be times in sessions that we complete exercises, provide a worksheet for you to do, or send you off with a strategy to practice. Just like any skill – perfecting an instrument or a sport – you need to practice and apply the strategy outside of lessons. Over time, you will be able to change your thoughts, distressing emotions, and problematic behaviors and make every day better.