There are many different kinds of therapy, and they all are helpful in bringing about therapeutic change.  Some therapists have one way of working and stick to that method.  Others, like me, have trained in a variety of approaches and use them as they are called for throughout therapy.  These are the therapeutic methods I am trained in and use.

Psychodynamic Therapy:
This method values a deep understanding of your psychology, focusing on how your early experiences have shaped the way you look at yourself and the world.  In pure psychodynamic therapy, sessions are free-form and not directed by the therapist.   I am, however, much more interactive and directive than a true psychodynamic therapist. I use psychodynamic theory as a framework to understand you and to help you understand yourself in more depth.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
The focus in Cognitive-Behavioral therapy is on how our thoughts and behavior perpetuate our emotional distress and how changing those thoughts and behaviors leads to more positive feelings. There is much evidence that CBT is effective for many problems over the time.  CBT sessions are structured, and homework is given to practice outside of therapy.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):
I use this unique, highly researched, and successful method of trauma therapy for people who come specifically for this approach. I also integrate EMDR into my work with people in general therapy when there is a stumbling block or discovery that could be appropriately treated with it.  EMDR involves clear identification of aspects of a traumatic experience.  Then, through back-and-forth eye movements or back-and-forth taps (what we call bi-lateral stimulation), your brain is triggered to complete the processing of a recent trauma or an unresolved trauma from long ago.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Therapy:
This I teach as a resource for use outside of therapy.  Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment, simply being aware of what you notice, not judging it or holding on to it. Just noticing it.  And, most importantly, holding back the racing thoughts that are so ready to take over.  Ultimately, you will experience brief moments when you have no thoughts (i.e., peace).  With Relaxation Therapy, I help you to use guided imagery in developing a “calm place” in your mind that you can access whenever you choose.  The repeated practice of Mindfulness and Relaxation Therapy benefits your emotional state as well as your physical body from the harmful effects of stress.

Gestalt Therapy:
This approach focuses on the here and now.  Gestalt therapy employs a variety of “techniques” that help people identify and express the underlying conflicts and the range of emotions they have in problem situations.  I find Gestalt techniques help people be more authentic and more open.  And they help you move forward when you are stuck.

Art Therapy:
I started out as an art therapist.  The use of visual tools rather than verbal language allows you to  access part of your right brain (the non-verbal and, I believe, wiser part).  It helps us discover parts of your psychological self that have not been translated into words.  Art therapy is not about the ability to draw or “talent.”  It is about expressing the abstract and the unconscious and trying to put it into words so that you can understand it.

Dream Therapy:
This is similar to art therapy.  Both methods use the symbols you create to understand yourself more deeply.  I am always amazed that even when people say they do not dream, the mere suggestion that they notice and jot down any dream fragments leads, almost always, to their bringing in a dream to explore.  Art and dreams are intriguing and truly helpful in therapy.

Family Systems Therapy:
This approach looks at the family as an organism or system. Each family member contributes to maintaining the family structure. If the structure is unhealthy, all the members of the family distort themselves to try to keep the family going.  In Family Systems Therapy, I identify the various strengths and weaknesses in the family and the role each person plays.  Working together, we come up with new ways to be in the family, ways that are freer and much healthier. Sessions are structured, and I take a very active role.  At times the entire family meets. Other times, only some combinations meet.  Generally, I give people “homework” — specific ways to specific ways to handle situations differently.