Psychotherapy Services
Adolescents
There can be a lot to uncover with adolescents. Maybe they are struggling to make friends, engaging in self-harming behaviors, experimenting with substance use, struggling with motivation, processing a divorce or separation, or fill in the blank. Issues affect the teen and the family on many levels and in different ways. I have seen that I am able to deeply connect with this population. I provide them with a space to show up as they are, and approach them in a relatable and relational way. I give them autonomy and control in the therapy process which allows for the open-exploration of issues they are facing.
If a teen is resistant to coming to therapy, which is very common, we may spend our sessions playing games, going for walks, or playing with fidgets to help adjust to the process. I also provide Parent Consultations to provide feedback to parents and assist with challenges within the family.
Areas of Focus: Trauma / EMDR Therapy, Substance Use/Misuse/Dependence, Adoption, Depression, Anxiety, Self Injurious Behaviors, Suicidal Ideation, Self-Esteem, Gender and/or Sexuality Exploration, Family Divorce/Separation, Friendships and Relationships
Adults
There can be many demands and challenges in this phase of life. Job stress, family of origin issues, romantic relationships, self-esteem, boundary-setting, moving to a new city, processing your childhood…those are just a few. My goal is to follow your lead and what you feel is a priority to you. This can change often, and is completely normal. We can process parts of you that are conflicted or ways of coping that may not be working very well. If you’re feeling weighed down, lost, confused, or stressed, we can discover the origin and learn new ways of moving through life. I will bring forth supportive feedback and insight, helping to uncover what may be difficult to see.
Areas of Focus: Life Transitions, Substance Use/Misuse/Dependence, Trauma / EMDR Therapy, Self-Esteem, Romantic Relationships, Job or College Stress, Family Dynamics, Depression, Anxiety, Boundary Setting, Gender and/or Sexuality Exploration, Various Life Stressors
Families
The family system is a unique one in that it often requires attention to maintain homeostasis and a healthy relational dynamic. This may entail the entire family unit, parents and their children, or the parents only. By addressing unresolved issues or issues freshly coming up to the surface, we can move towards a path of healthy communication, conflict resolution, and understanding for everyone’s personal experience. Family sessions can always be requested by present clients as-needed or as often as they may be helpful. If you are scheduling solely for family therapy, we will obtain a detailed history of presenting issues over time, and begin healing from there.
Areas of Focus: Repeating Conflict, Parent/Child Communication, Adoption, Increasing Connection Within the Family System, Support in Understanding Adolescence, Substance Use Issues, Attachment Wounds, Parental Support in Navigating Diagnoses, Addressing Maladaptive Patterns, Divorce and Coparenting Support
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a trauma-focused, evidence-based approach that helps individuals process traumatic experiences by addressing the vividness and emotional impact of those memories. EMDR is a structured approach and is an effective option for individuals who experience difficulty talking about their traumatic experiences or who have not had success in traditional talk therapy. Extensive research and the World Health Organization endorse EMDR therapy for a multitude of mental health issues (PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, substance use, grief and loss, performance anxiety, sleep disturbance, and more).
We may be a good fit if:
You are feeling down, heavy, unmotivated, or hopeless.
You are adopted and wonder how this impacts who you are and your relationships with others.
You have a history or trauma, or wonder if you have a history of trauma, that can be complex, relational, or acute.
You are struggling with substance use.
You are going through a life transition that is stressful, painful, confusing, worrisome, or all of the above.
You either struggle with perfectionism or a feeling like you never do “good enough”.
Relationships in your life are struggling due to attachment wounds resulting in anxiety or avoidance.
You’re trying to figure out where you want to go in your life but continue to find yourself in similar patterns that are no longer working.
You feel anxious in your days, and the worry feels overwhelming.
You sometimes wish you were no longer here.
You just need someone to talk to.
FAQs
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Sessions are held on a weekly or biweekly basis at the same time each week. This is especially important for the relationship-building phase of the process in the beginning, and for ongoing growth throughout.
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No, no, and no. Well, sometimes yes, because emotions give us information. But, I am not a “And how does that make you feel?” therapist. I am relational and direct. What does that mean? It means I will be honest and real in session. Therapists are often taught to keep a blank slate and remain stoic when with clients. This is a dated approach and one that does not work with persons deeply struggling because it can feel inauthentic. Anyone can ask you how you are feeling - I aim to take us much deeper by asking the harder questions, connecting dots, and exploring the history that got you here.
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I get it. Your life is packed with experiences and they may all feel important to process. I will help guide us and there is no expectation of how you will show up. Come as you are.
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Absolutely I will! Challenging dynamics, a high level of conflict, and a desire from the family to get through the hard work together sparks my passion like no other. There is no family too “messy” for me.
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This varies and is dependent on a multitude of factors. I will check in with you as we go along so we can evaluate our progress. Therapy is a choice and not a requirement so it is largely up to you. Some people prefer to stay in therapy for an extended amount of time and others prefer to terminate when the therapeutic goals have been achieved. Either is fine!
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Talk, laugh, cry, feel. Oftentimes all in one session! We will discuss your goals for therapy initially, so this gives us a great framework to build on.
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Yes! While I do prefer in-person if possible, I understand this can be preferred and am happy to accommodate.
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Yes, I work evenings as I know school and work pose challenges to daytime appointments. These appointment times are highly sought after, however, and I typically have a waitlist. You can be added to the list and hear from me when a spot becomes available, or be added to the cancellation-list where I reach out if openings arise in the evenings sporadically. You can also always check the portal to see if there are openings!