cloves were used to help heal pain…represent dignity and the ability to withstand troubles…

Areas of Treatment

I treat a variety of disorders, such as Depression, Anxiety, Sleep, Transitions, Grief, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem, and so on.

I Specialize in the treatment of Eating Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, and in Couples and Family Therapy.

 
 
 

Eating Disorders

Every eating disorder is highly personal and unique to the individual. I believe it is serving a very important function in a person’s life, and at the same time keeping them out of their lives. Together we will get to the core of the disorder, and find a safe way to live a more authentic life. It’s about the food, but it’s not about the food. Together we will uncover the pain, form new coping strategies, and build a more healthy relationship with food, exercise, and your body.

I usually weave in elements of Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Art Therapy, all while working under body positivity, intuitive eating, and HAES® (Health at Every Size) approaches. Often times it is also necessary to bring food into the sessions. Together we can explore fear foods, and work on exposure and response prevention.

In the treatment of eating disorders, it is common that we collaborate with a team of professionals. This may include a dietitian, medical doctor, psychiatrist, and possibly including group therapy. Furthermore, depending on the nature of the disorder, it isn’t uncommon to incorporate partners and families in various sessions. Sometimes it’s beneficial to have the support of a professional when trying to educate loved ones on eating disorders and how they can help.

Treatment Issues

  • Anorexia Nervosa

  • Bulimia Nervosa

  • Binge Eating Disorder

  • Orthorexia

  • Body Image Issues

  • Emotional Eating

  • Exercise Addiction

Trauma and PTSD

Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are ailments that can plague a person’s life for years. Every person’s experiences and reactions to trauma are unique, and yet there are similar areas that are impacted in people’s lives. I have worked with a wide range of individuals and groups who have been negatively impacted by trauma, meet full criteria for a PTSD diagnosis, and who have been struggling for years to decades. Here’s the good news: trauma and PTSD is ABSOLUTELY treatable. I have witnessed the lives of people change dramatically, and there is no better gift than this; living free of this burden. With each person I have worked with, I continue to be amazed at how quickly they gain relief.

I utilize two highly structured protocols with individuals who are ready to do the necessary work. The first is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a gold-standard treatment for adults and adolescents with PTSD. This is a highly researched and utilized evidence-based practice, and produces the best long-term outcomes for individuals who complete the 12 sessions. CPT works with the thoughts that we experience after trauma, helping clients learn to challenge and change these harmful cognitions. With these new understanding of the traumatic event(s), individuals begin to see an improvement within themselves, their relationships, and in overall life.

The second treatment protocol I utilize is Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). PE is also a heavily researched and utilized evidence-based practice, and developed to treat PTSD. Sessions are also very structured, roughly last for about 8-15 sessions, that are 90 mins in length. This approach involves gradually facing whatever it is the trauma experiences has made the client avoid, taking place in safe environments. There are two different types of exposures that we will be working on together at the pace of the client, imaginal and in vivo exposure. Imaginal Exposure takes place in session, described by the client, so that emotional processing can take place. In Vivo Exposure, occurs outside of session, gradually challenging oneself in confronting feared stimuli.

Treatment Modalities

  • Trauma Informed Care

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

Couples and Family Therapy

I believe in many cases, an individual can only do so much on their own and real healing needs to take place within the couple and/or family. Couples and family therapy is used to address relationship conflicts by working on more effective communication and interactions within the system. Both members of the couple will be present in sessions, and I usually work with all family members together, but this is not always the case; it depends on the situation.

Prepare for active sessions, where we tackle the things that aren’t being communicated constructively. There will be homework assigned, and we will all be holding ourselves accountable throughout the process. I have been working with couples and families for over 12 years, and am trained in several treatment modalities which I draw from in order to tailor the sessions to your unique experiences. Links are available below for more detailed information.

Treatment Modalities

I am dedicated to promoting multiculturally sensitive services that uphold the dignity and value of all individuals. I am committed to promoting an environment of respect and appreciation for race, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, physical ability, mental ability, Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and socioeconomic status of all persons.