Therapy Areas of Expertise
Therapy for Identity Concerns
WHO IS IT FOR?
Individuals who are concerned or uncertain about aspects of their identity, or are living in a culture that discriminates against their identity group.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
There are several ways of exploring and resolving identity concerns depending on what they are and how they are affecting you. We can identify and evaluate negative beliefs about yourself and/or explore any uncertainty you may have. You can also learn coping skills to manage stress related to identifying as a minority and develop resilience and a positive self-image.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
- Decrease in stress or confusion related to your identity
- Skills and confidence to cope with discrimination
- Positive beliefs about yourself
Therapy for Interpersonal Concerns
WHO IS IT FOR?
Individuals struggling with a relationship (or lack thereof) or noticing a pattern that creates difficulty for you (for example, difficulty with assertiveness or with trust)
HOW DOES IT WORK?
You can examine what may be getting in the way and learn skills to become more effective interpersonally and to achieve your relationship goals. This includes not just romantic/sexual relationships but also relationships with family members, friends, etc.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
- Increased understanding of the nature and source of the difficulties
- Healthy boundaries for yourself and others
- Assertiveness (not overly passive or aggressive)
- Balanced level of trust in others (not too much or too little)
- Skills/ability to evaluate who to trust, how much, and in what ways
- Healthy, positive relationships
Life Transitions & Disruptions
WHO IS IT FOR?
Individuals experiencing a life change, including but not limited to:
- Engagement/Marriage
- Pregnancy
- Parenthood
- Medical Diagnosis
- Loss/Grief
- Divorce
- Career change
- Retirement
HOW DOES IT WORK?
You can engage in a process of understanding what your life change means to you, grieve any losses related to your transition (even a positive one), come to identify and accept aspects that you do and do not have control over, identify and evaluate your beliefs about the change and how accurate they are, and determine goals for moving forward.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
- Feel more comfortable with the natural emotions you're feeling as a result of your life change
- Decreased need to avoid, control, or otherwise feel consumed by the event
- Stronger sense of your values and goals related to the change
Trauma Processing Therapy
WHO IS IT FOR?
Individuals experiencing distress, avoidance, vigilance, poor sleep, negative emotions, or otherwise feeling stuck after experiencing a trauma.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A brief (12 session) therapy that will help you examine what you believe about the trauma and the world and develop balanced beliefs to help you become "unstuck." You have the option to write and discuss the details of your trauma but it is not a required part of the therapy.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
- Decrease in distress associated with traumatic memories
- Decreased need to avoid reminders of the experience(s)
- Balanced view of safety and vigilance
- Balanced views of yourself, others, and the world in general, especially with resepct to trust, intimacy, and self-esteem.
LEARN MORE:
From the American Psychological Association:
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/cognitive-processing-therapy.aspx
From the VA (a video):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOZEMdwU9Ec
I have received specialty training in this specific therapy and am listed as a qualified provider: