Caring and Evidence-Based Support
My clinical approach draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I believe change and healing is best inspired by connecting with what matters most to you, whether that be friendship, family, safety, nature, or whatever else! With your values in mind, we will explore how to navigate fear, sadness, shame, and discomfort with greater self-assurance, mindful curiosity, and self-compassion.
What to Expect?
A strength-based approach, where we celebrate your unique interests, gifts, and assets.
You will develop a greater capacity to respond to stress with self-compassion and flexibility.
Together, we will build a toolbox of strategies for navigating difficult emotions.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is an evidence-based and action oriented approach aimed at helping clients build psychological flexibility. Together, the therapist and client explore what behaviors and thoughts support or hinder their efforts to move closer to their values (relationships, movement, family, safety, adventure, whatever matters to you!). Along the way, clients learn to navigate difficult emotions and painful thoughts with greater mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion. As clients spend less time resisting uncertainty, attempting to control unwanted thoughts, and avoiding feelings, they have more energy to pursue their goals and values.
For many clients, I use ACT as an overarching approach for support with a variety of day-to-day concerns and stressors. For others, we may choose to combine ACT with other evidence based techniques, such as exposure and response prevention (ERP) or behavioral activation to target anxiety, OCD, or depression. When working with youth, ACT can be combined with parenting strategies that support children in taking meaningful risks and reinforce brave actions. The therapeutic relationship is key and our work will be individualized to match your needs and preferences.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is another evidence based approach that focuses on exploring the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. In CBT, the therapist and client work collaboratively to examine these patterns, to identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts, and to challenge harsh self-criticism and unrealistic perspectives. Along the way, clients cultivate beliefs that are more balanced, realistic, and encouraging.
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
SPACE is an evidence-based, parent-based approach for addressing anxiety, OCD, and related issues in children. Its unique approach focuses on coaching parents to change their responses to their child's anxiety, rather than requiring the child to attend therapy sessions. The treatment works by helping parents make two key changes to their behavior:
Increasing Supportive Responses: Parents learn to communicate empathy for their child's distress while also expressing confidence in their child's ability to cope and manage their feelings.
Reducing Unhelpful Accommodations: SPACE guides parents to identify and gradually reduce unhelpful accommodations so the child can learn to face their fears and build independence
Clinical trials show SPACE can be as effective as working directly with a child in therapy.