Theoretical Foundations
Different modalities may be incorporated
throughout a participant’s course of treatment.
My Style
Client-Centered
The feeling of being judged, told what to do or unsupported can be discouraging and negatively impact one’s mood, sense of trust, self-concept and self-esteem. In Client-Centered therapy, the therapist becomes the ‘passenger’ on an individual’s journey for success. The client is the expert, able to explore concerns and direct treatment in a manner that feels most helpful, and ultimately, utilizing personal strengths for emotional healing, personal growth and desired change.
Solution-Focused
The ability to understand and find solutions to a problem often lie within us. Solution-focused therapy, though much shorter in duration, gets straight to the point, empowering the individual to explore and develop a plan for future success.
Strengths-Based
Positive attributes, abilities, interests and values for some are uniquely, special qualities that may have never been acknowledged, realized, or utilized, but can be pulled from to achieve one’s happiness, sense of identity, purpose and ultimate success. With a clearer view of one’s unique strengths, personal growth, self-confidence, and direction in life may become more evident.
Narrative Therapy
You’ve got a past, a story. Do you know it? Is it weighing you down and causing you to see yourself in a negative light? Feeling discouraged or limited because of it? Though it has an impact on your life, your past is not your present and doesn’t have to be your future. You are the author of your own story. Narrative therapy is an opportunity to explore your journey and potentially gain a new lens through which to view your life, with more self-compassion, a new sense of identity and feelings of empowerment.
Additional Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Negative or irrational thinking, difficult emotions and self-defeating behaviors all have the potential for getting in the way of one’s success and well-being. One’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors are all connected. Understanding how they intertwine and healthy ways of responding to uncomfortable experiences can improve mood, overall functioning and potential for more positive outcomes in one’s life.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Childhood stressors that are suppressed or ‘bottled up’ can result in unresolved, emotional pain, confusion, and both internal and interpersonal conflict. Psychodynamic therapy provides an opportunity to discover how past experiences and unconscious feelings impact one’s experiences in the present.
Trauma-Informed
The impact of trauma on one’s wellbeing can be life-changing. Something happens and, in an instant, it feels as if past trauma is being relived in the moment, stirring up feelings of vulnerability, intense emotions, and a sense of danger that may lead to an inability to cope, social isolation or dangerous and impulsive behaviors. Unaddressed, trauma can contribute to a loss of joy in daily living, inability to experience healthy relationships and inadequacy in social functioning. Trauma-informed therapy educates, empowers and reduces the impact of trauma by increasing self-awareness, helping to identify natural supports, developing healthy coping skills, and improving social skills.
A Note on Medication
While medication management is an option to treat a variety of mental health symptoms, it is not a cure-all or immediate recommendation in most therapy cases. Medication often works better in conjunction with learned coping and social skills, and is treated as a last resort when other treatment efforts alone have been determined ineffective. In the event that medication seems to be an appropriate addition for treatment, you’ll be encouraged to consult and explore your available options with your doctor, psychiatrist or other community-based provider.