What is therapy, and how can it help?
Therapy can involve many different approaches, and it can be practiced in different ways by each clinician. Therapy can be especially effective when there is a strong relationship between client and therapist. The following are evidence-based therapies that I use in my clinical practice.
Note: I only serve Kaiser Permanente Northern California members at this time, so I am not currently seeing or accepting patients in private practice.
Acceptance and commitment therapy
With the use of mindfulness, acceptance, and behavioral change, this improves psychological flexibility and embracing your emotional experiences, rather than denying or avoiding them. The aim is to establish and lead a life according to your values.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Understanding the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behavior is key in this approach. From thought records to behavioral experiments, this can be experienced as active, directive, and solutions-focused, which may be helpful for both symptom relief and overall change.
Dialectical behavior therapy
Skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness are developed and improved upon in this approach. Radical acceptance, dialectics, and behavioral change are applied towards achieving a life worth living.
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
Interpersonal problem areas are identified to address, and routines or social rhythms are essential to promoting regularity and in turn, stabilizing mood. While it was developed for bipolar disorder, its interventions can serve to benefit those with other challenges, especially related to mood.
Psychodynamic therapy
Looking upon past experiences while attuning to the therapeutic relationship can better our understanding of challenges that persist today. Repetitions of themes and unhelpful response patterns are also examined in an exploratory and reflective way with a focus on inner emotional life.
My Approach
My approach to therapy can be described as collaborative and client-focused, flexibly addressing concerns and adapting to each person. Together with clients, I determine an appropriate treatment plan and identify goals that meet their needs, which can change over time in therapy. I take an active and directive approach as needed while continuing to attend to the therapeutic relationship and process.
You will be given space for feelings to emerge and be acknowledged while providing a sense of containment. In the midst of a busy life, you will be encouraged to slow a bit down and take the time to reflect while in session. You will be taken through exploring past experiences, creating connections with who you are in the present and building insight into patterns that may no longer be serving you.
Therapy can be uncomfortable and even intense at times. This tends to happen when change is being made (growing pains), as we unlearn deep-seated messages and let go of firmly held defenses. As with any developing relationship, I am learning about you and understanding your experiences, so I may make missteps and will admit that openly.
Therapy can also take time and not always follow a clear, linear path. It really is a process through which I may serve in different roles, depending on your needs at any given point. However that may look like, you are not alone as I will guide, encourage, and support you in your journey of wellness and self-discovery.
