Services

As a clinical social worker, my practice is guided by the person-in-environment (PIE) perspective, which suggests that we can best be understood by looking at the environment in which we live and the impact it has on us, both past and present. Environment can be external (our experiences with others) and internal (our thoughts, genetic predispositions and chemical imbalances). I believe that the PIE approach to therapy is best practiced through a strong therapeutic bond of trust and positive regard between therapist and client. Once this is created, the healing work can begin.

My therapeutic work is grounded in an integrative approach using person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing techniques (when addressing substance abuse).

Person-centered therapy honors the client's intrinsic strengths and provides support and guidance through the process of uncovering those strengths and learning to use them to address the presenting problem. This approach to therapy is meant to empower the client and build upon self-worth and self-esteem.

CBT looks at the negative thought patterns created by our interaction with our environment that contribute to our unwanted behaviors and teaches us how to challenge and alter those thought patterns and replace with more positive and constructive thoughts.

Motivational Interviewing is a method used to help people commit to the difficult process of change. The process is twofold. The first goal is to increase the person's motivation and the second is for the person to make the commitment to change. As opposed to simply stating a need or desire to change,  The process of expressing that commitment out loud has been shown to help improve a person's ability to actually make those changes. This technique is especially impactful when working with substance abuse.

My areas of clinical experience include:

EMDR/Substance Abuse
Anxiety Disorders
Depressive Disorders
Couples Counseling
Family Therapy
Adolescent Issues
Separation/Divorce
Parenting Skills
Infertility Issues