clinical symptoms

What types of issues do you treat?

Depression

Anxiety 

Relationship Issues

Mood Disorders

Personality Disorders

PTSD / Trauma

Women's Issues

Issues of Adolescence

Adjustment Disorders

Life Transitions

Couples Counseling

Family Therapy 

ADHD

Psycho-Education

therapy sessions

What can i expect during therapy sessions?

Our first few sessions will involve an evaluation of your needs. By the end of the evaluation, I will be able to offer you treatment recommendations. If you comfort level is such that you would like to continue in treatment, we will set reasonable goals, along with a treatment plan. Therapy involves a commitment of time, money, and energy, so you should be thoughtful about the therapist you select. If you have questions about my procedures or the work we are doing, we should discuss them whenever they arise.

what kind of therapy do you practice?

I work with a flexible, eclectic approach utilizing the "whatever works" principle. Expressive, dynamic exploration is an important approach that underlies most therapeutic conversation. For stress, traumatic memory and anxiety I use a systemic oriented model of treatment. Prioritizing family dynamics, traditional psychotherapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral and other therapeutic interventions. Treatment is intended to be short-term solution oriented focused, guided by client self determination. Treatment is not intended to be dependency oriented or long term. 

WHAT is the typical length of treatment?

Length of treatment varies from one individual to another and contingent upon the presenting problem and reality constraints. However, my goal is to not have the client be dependent upon treatment over the long term, but rather to facilitate his or her own change while establishing healthy goals. Three months can be a reasonable time frame for treatment. It is important to note, that depending upon a client's history it is common to need intermittent support during difficult periods. Sometimes we need to hit the reset button as change is a constant.

treatment

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, or other wise known as counseling,  is unique to each individual. It varies depending on the personalities of the psychologist and patient, and the particular problems you are experiencing. There are many different methods I may use to deal with the problems that you hope to address. Psychotherapy is not like a medical doctor visit. Instead, it calls for an active effort on your part. In order for the therapy to be most successful, you will have to work on things we talk about both during our sessions and at home. Progress is made based on an interactive collaboration in the therapeutic relationship.

Psychotherapy can have many benefits but it also has risks. Since therapy often involves discussing upsetting aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings. On the other hand, psychotherapy has also been proven to have many benefits. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress. 

What is Dialectical behavior therapy?

DBT is about creating a tool box of skills in conjunction with the use of diary cards and both  individual  and group therapy. It also includes psycho-education and learning that two opposing points of view can coexist. Changing one's perception, moving away from black and white thinking and maladaptive coping skills. DBT is learning how to "walk the middle path" in life. 

YOUR PRIVACY

WILL ANYONE KNOW THAT I AM IN COUNSELING?

Unless a client is a minor or has a signed release of information, a clients treatment is completely confidential. In the beginning few sessions it is important to discuss these matters and set some ground rules for the counseling process.

CRISIS SITUATION 

It is important to note that at times a higher level of care may be needed in an acute situation.  I may recommend an evaluation at an inpatient facility or ER . Never leave a message about suicide intent, always call for immediate help, such as 911. Brief phone sessions are available at a small fee when indicated. It is not unusual to set up contracts with clients if one suffers from chronic at risk behavior, where an emergency plan can be place for crisis oriented situations.