Counseling For Individuals
The therapy you receive is tailored to your needs and preferences.
For short-term counseling, I recommend brief, solution-focused approach that defines specific goals and develops practical solutions built upon your existing strengths.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy may also be used in order to help you understand and change dysfunctional, self-defeating beliefs that result in problematic behaviors and emotions. The tools introduced in session and through homework are meant to teach you how to be your own therapist should problems arise in the future.
For more in-depth work, my therapy approach explores persistent negative patterns of thinking, behavior, emotional coping, and relationships. In addition to addressing relief from your current symptoms, I use therapeutic techniques to support and guide you in discovering what has historically limited your ability to have a positive sense of self, to maximize your potential, and to enjoy mutually nurturing relationships.
Here are some examples of problems I have treated:
- Unipolar Depression (including the “slow-burning” chronic depression called dysthymia)
- Anxiety (including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic
Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder) - Trauma- and Stress-Related Disorders (PTSD and various Adjustment
Disorders) - Grief and loss
- Childhood and/or adult emotional trauma and abuse
- Assertiveness training
- Codependency
- Pattern of painful relationships
- Poor self-esteem and/or extreme shynessLife transitions
- Individual identity development
- Divorce and co-parenting
- Difficulties experienced by children/teens due to parents’ divorce or separation
- LGBTQ-specific issues such as coming out to family and friends, questioning one’s sexual identity, or struggling with religious beliefs and one’s sexual orientation
Spiritual Integration
Spiritual integration provides a holistic approach to counseling and psychotherapy, bringing the theoretical knowledge and methodology of clinical psychology into closer contact with an individual’s beliefs and practices.
I work with clients of all faiths, faith-skeptical, or of no spiritual beliefs. For those who wish to make their faith part of our sessions, spiritual integration can be a powerful adjunct to the treatment process. Please note that my personal knowledge is limited to the Christian faith and its diverse denominations, as well as a rudimentary understanding of Eastern philosophy concepts. I am respectful of all religious/spiritual traditions and accommodate each client’s unique experience of his or her faith.
Since I am a licensed psychotherapist, the focus of sessions is on assessing, identifying, addressing, and resolving the primary causes of distress. My goal is also to equip the client for future healthy functioning, which includes cognitive, emotional, and behavioral tools. Faith can amplify such clinical tools by providing a framework for motivation, personal strength, and meaning.
To reiterate, spiritual integration does not supersede clinical practice. It is not initiated without a client’s expressed request.
Lastly, please note that it is my mandated responsibility to report suspected and actual abuse of minors, the elderly, and disabled adults. Therefore, my respectful stance does not apply to cultural or other practices that may prompt clients to engage in child, elder, or disabled adult abuse.