As a therapist, I offer a supportive and understanding space where we can collaboratively address the challenges you're facing, whether it's persistent anxiety that feels overwhelming, the heaviness of sadness, or difficulties in your relationships. I utilize a range of evidence-based approaches, including EMDR for processing past experiences, DBT for building coping skills, CBT for understanding thought patterns, and mindfulness to enhance present moment awareness. My focus is on empowering you to heal, fostering personal growth, and developing more fulfilling and healthier connections in your life.
In our first session, my primary focus is on getting to know you and understanding what brings you to therapy. I aim to create a friendly and comfortable space where you feel heard and understood. We'll begin to identify your goals for therapy in a collaborative way, and I'll be listening empathetically to your experiences and where you're at right now. You can expect a personable and easy-to-talk-to environment as we start this journey together.
My greatest strengths as a provider lie in my empathetic and non-judgmental approach, which allows me to connect with clients deeply and create a safe and trusting therapeutic environment. I am also personable and easy to talk to, making it easier for clients to feel comfortable sharing. I focus on collaboratively understanding clients' goals from the outset and bring a versatile approach by integrating techniques from EMDR, DBT, CBT, and mindfulness to tailor treatment effectively. Ultimately, I believe in my clients' capacity for growth and healing and aim to empower them on their journey.
I am best positioned to serve individuals who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or sadness, navigating relationship complexities, or processing past experiences. My ideal client is seeking support and healing, ready to actively work towards growth in a safe space to develop skills and build a more fulfilling life.
I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and integrate its core principles extensively into my practice. My approach involves actively teaching and reinforcing the four key modules of DBT: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation. I find that cultivating mindfulness, the practice of intentionally focusing on the present moment without judgment, serves as a foundational element for all other therapeutic progress. By increasing awareness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, individuals can gain greater insight into their patterns and develop a stronger sense of self. I utilize various mindfulness exercises tailored to each client's needs to help them cultivate this crucial skill. Furthermore, I equip clients with interpersonal effectiveness skills to navigate relationships more skillfully, assert their needs respectfully, and set healthy boundaries. We explore different communication styles and practice techniques to enhance connection and reduce interpersonal conflict. Developing distress tolerance skills is another vital component of my work. I help individuals learn to navigate difficult emotions and challenging situations without resorting to impulsive or harmful behaviors. This involves teaching practical strategies to cope effectively in the moment. Finally, I assist clients in understanding and managing their emotions through emotion regulation techniques. This includes identifying emotions, understanding their function, reducing emotional vulnerability, and increasing positive emotional experiences. Overall, I believe that by intentionally building these DBT skills, individuals can significantly enhance their resilience, improve their relationships, and lead more fulfilling lives. I am passionate about empowering my clients with these practical tools for lasting change.