Compassionate and evidence-based care

My approach integrates highly effective treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). You will find a description of each treatment approach below. Therapy is always individualized to fit the unique needs of each client.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is widely considered the gold standard treatment for OCD and related anxiety concerns. In ERP, the therapist and client work collaboratively to gradually face situations that trigger anxiety while practicing new ways of responding without relying on compulsions or avoidance. Along the way, clients build confidence in their ability to tolerate discomfort and uncertainty, allowing anxiety and OCD to have less influence over their lives.

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-focused therapy for addressing anxiety, OCD, and related issues in children. The treatment works by helping parents make two key changes to their behavior: 

  1. 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.

  2. Reducing Unhelpful Accommodations: SPACE guides parents to identify and gradually reduce unhelpful accommodations so their child can learn to face their fears and build independence

Children typically do not attend SPACE sessions. SPACE can be implemented alongside individual therapy for a child or as a stand alone treatment. Clinical trials show SPACE to be as effective as working directly with a child in therapy. If you are interested in learning more about SPACE, please reach out!