What is your treatment orientation and approach? What will we DO in therapy?

First and foremost, modalities are much less important than the therapeutic connection we share. While evidence-based practices are invaluable, healing is an alchemical, heart-centered process that unfolds differently for each person. My treatment orientation is integrative in nature, drawing from a range of theories and practices.

 

My approach is most deeply rooted in existential/humanistic psychotherapy, radical acceptance, DBT (mindful awareness, connection, acceptance, responsibility), EMDR (adaptive resolution of trauma) and ecopsychology (“connection with” vs. “power over”), all aimed at cultivating connection, mindful awareness and compassion. Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, says that creativity is our true nature. Therefore, expressive arts therapy and the creative process are often woven into therapy for meaningful self-exploration and understanding.

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​Regarding substance use disorders work, I draw most heavily from Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention, Mindful Recovery, Refuge Recovery, Seeking Safety, and Harm Reduction: Pragmatic Strategies for Managing High-Risk Behaviors. All in all, I’m trained in a number of approaches and will work with you to determine which direction we should go. I am comfortable working from a harm reduction perspective, as people vary in readiness for change.