Approaches to therapy.

COUNSELING SERVICES
I integrate a variety of psychological and systemic approaches for working with individuals and families. I consistently use a client centered and family systems approach while integrating cognitive behavioral, emotion-focused, and dialectical techniques to draw on strengths and problem-solve to enhance self-direction and empowerment. I have been trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy
I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and have been intensively trained to provide this scientifically proven method. DBT is a method that targets unstable emotions, intense crisis behavior, unstable relationships, and how to find a balance between extremes. The first step in this treatment is to acknowledge there is a problem in your life that you want to change. It also requires that you accept yourself fully for who you are in this moment, while also encouraging yourself to make changes. This can appear contradictory, or dialectical. Life is full of these dialectics, or contradictions. We will work together in therapy to find the wisdom in dialectics and how to walk the middle path between them.

DBT Skills Groups
Individual therapy is one component of the DBT approach. Other components include attending a DBT skills group to learn specific coping skills to handle difficult situations. After an assessment to see if clients meet criteria, I may recommend "full DBT" which means individual sessions and groups. DBT coping skills are a large part of the treatment approach. They can be taught in individual sessions, but at times it is more beneficial for you to learn these skills in a group or class with others. This requires a commitment on your end. There are several DBT skills groups available in the Seattle area. We will talk more about this component if this is recommended.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This approach is often used for depression and anxiety. Again this is a scientifically proven method to improve mood. The idea is to practice identifying thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and finding out what thoughts are getting in the way of your life.

Trauma Work
I also treat folks who have experienced traumas in their lives. I use another scientifically proven method to recovery from traumatic events. It involves understanding the normal reactions that traumatic events provoke, and working together to put the events in the past rather than constant re-experiencing. Sharing your story is the most powerful way to get past trauma. This is very difficult for most people, and understandably anxiety-provoking. We will work together to find a voice for that story and how to make it part of your strength.