My Approach To Treatment is Integrative:

Nevertheless, my theoretical orientation is greatly influenced by Psychodynamic School of Thought.  I use a wide variety of treatment methods, that include psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness and eye movement desensitization reprocessing therapy (EMDR). Each of these treatments have gained scientific merit. The clinical interview and assessment period will assist in discovering which approach will best suit your goals. We often find ourselves making similar mistakes routinely. One aspect of therapy is to discover the patterns of behavior that we repeat, out of familiarity. Therapy is about learning we have choices, we do not have to be trapped by our past. Let’s break the negative patterns, develop new, healthy patterns that will contribute to a better way of life. Along with choice is recognizing when there are things that can not be changed. Growth can come in the form of acceptance. This new way of thinking is the process of change and moving forward. My goal is to provide an atmosphere that is non-judgmental, supportive and accepting which assists in motivating you to achieve your stated goals. Studies have repeatedly shown that the single most important factor in predicting successful treatment the relationship between therapist and patient.  I provide a safe, collaborative, non-judgmental environment for my clients to express themselves and feel understood. My integrative approach draws predominantly from the following:

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy:

The Psychodynamic approach examines early relationships in life and what patterns have developed overtime. By understanding how these early experiences may influence your current relationships, you learn to differentiate between past and present experiences and respond to current relationships more skillfully.  At times, exploring how we relate to each other in session provides clues as to how you might relate in the outside world. Working together to explore these interactions in a supportive manner can offer helpful insights. By learning from your past, you can create new adaptive patterns that allow for new ways of being in work, play, and family.  Psychodynamic therapy is a traditional, insight-oriented form of treatment.  It operates under the principle that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by internal conflicts that are often unconscious.

In psychodynamic therapy, clients explore early relationships an experiences (often involving their family-of-origin) so that they can gain insight into how these dynamics are influencing current relationships and behaviors.  This awareness can lead to a decrease in distress and other negative emotions, and improve overall functioning.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

The CBT approach helps one become aware of how they perceive the world around them and the connection that exist between one’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The basis of CBT is that how we interpret any given situation has a tremendous impact on how we feel and behave. CBT differs from psychodynamic psychotherapy in that it helps one remain in the present and work on the things that can be altered in the ‘here and now.  CBT focuses on the development of different skills and techniques to challenging your automatic thoughts and perceptions.  There is an emphasis on sorting out one’s negative cognitions and irrational beliefs that create misinterpretations that lead to overreactions, excessive worry and heightened stress.  CBT is an empirically based method of treatment that emphasizes how our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors.  Our past experiences can shape the way we think, often leading to maladaptive and irrational thinking patterns.

These negative thoughts and beliefs can lead to emotional distress and self-destructive behaviors.  In cognitive-behavioral therapy, the client learns strategies to reduce irrational thinking and change behavior patterns, leading to improved well-being.  The approach is goal-oriented and emphasizes problem-solving strategies.

Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR):

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).  When we experience a trauma, our brain traps all the sensory information of the event.  Including the sounds, smells, images and sensations that occurred in real time.  If unprocessed, the primitive part of our brain automatically overreacts to future situations that remind us at all of the original event.  Ultimately, this leads to debilitating anxiety, depression and an overwhelming sense of feeling stuck and alienation from others.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a highly effective psychotheary technique which has been very successful in helping people who suffer from anxiety, panic, trauma, upsetting memories, stress and many other emotional difficulties.

A video introduction to EMDR:  https://youtu.be/Pkfln-ZtWeY