Clients come to therapy with varying levels of readiness for change. Some are fully aware of the need for change, while others may need time and space to process their thoughts and emotions. Ambivalence is a natural part of the therapeutic process, and I receive that uncertainty with understanding and patience. My non-judgmental approach creates a safe space where clients can explore potential barriers to change, process them, and work toward meaningful progress.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of successful outcomes. By fostering an atmosphere of trust, compassion, and empathy, clients feel comfortable speaking freely and exploring their concerns. When the connection between counselor and client is strong, it becomes a powerful foundation for growth and transformation.
In my practice, I integrate a variety of counseling approaches, drawing on techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Reality Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy (PCT). This diverse toolkit allows me to tailor my approach to best support each individual client’s unique needs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented approach designed to help individuals identify and transform unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
The term “dialectical” in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) refers to the concept that two seemingly opposite things can coexist. In DBT, the “dialectic” is the balance between accepting things as they are while also striving for positive change.
Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that is primarily used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and can also be helpful for other anxiety-related conditions such as phobias and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a therapeutic approach that aims to enhance a person’s motivation to make positive changes by helping them explore and resolve their mixed feelings or ambivalence about the change.
Person-Centered Therapy (PCT)
Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), also known as Client-Centered Therapy, is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment in which individuals can explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences.
Reality Therapy
Reality Therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals take responsibility for their actions, make better choices, and create more fulfilling lives. It works by identifying client goals, reviewing current behaviors, then evaluating whether their current behaviors are helping them achieve their goals or whether they are contributing to problems in their lives.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented approach designed to help individuals identify and transform unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. Based on the understanding that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are deeply interconnected, CBT emphasizes that changing negative thought patterns can cultivate healthier emotions and more constructive behaviors.
Through CBT, clients gain increased awareness of automatic negative thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions that may be distorting their view of reality. The therapy focuses on addressing these distorted thoughts and the unhealthy behaviors that often follow. By carefully examining the evidence for and against these thoughts, we work together to challenge and reframe them. CBT also equips clients with practical skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and navigate challenging situations more effectively, fostering lasting positive change.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
The essence of MI is collaboration, not confrontation. It is a non-judgmental, empathetic approach that focuses on listening to the client’s reasons for change while also respecting their autonomy and pace. I work with the client to help them identify their own reasons for change, making the process more personally meaningful.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
As a certified DBT counselor, I specialize in this evidence-based approach, which integrates acceptance with transformation. DBT is specifically designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and cultivate healthier coping strategies. The therapy provides practical skills in four key areas: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. These skills empower clients to manage their emotions more effectively, strengthen relationships, and improve overall well-being.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
The goal of ERP is to help individuals learn that anxiety diminishes on its own without the need for compulsive rituals. It helps to break the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions by teaching the brain that the feared outcomes don’t happen, or if they do, they are less catastrophic than anticipated.
Person-Centered Therapy (PCT)
Person-Centered Therapy is a compassionate, empowering approach to therapy that focuses on the individual’s ability to understand and transform their own life. Through a supportive and empathetic relationship with the counselor, clients can explore their feelings, gain deeper self-awareness, and develop the confidence to make positive changes.
Reality Therapy
Reality Therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals take responsibility for their actions, make better choices, and create more fulfilling lives. It works by identifying client goals, reviewing current behaviors, then evaluating whether their current behaviors are helping them achieve their goals or whether they are contributing to problems in their lives.
Once the client recognizes which behaviors are unhelpful, we explore more effective alternatives. Reality Therapy emphasizes the importance of making responsible, informed choices that contribute to personal growth and fulfillment.
At the heart of Reality Therapy is the belief that individuals can control their behaviors and make choices that can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. This therapy is based on the idea that people often engage in behaviors that don’t meet their needs in healthy or effective ways. By making better choices, they can lead more satisfying lives.