"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn
Individual Psychotherapy
People seek individual therapy for a variety of reasons. Many people pursue treatment due to debilitating mental health conditions that are significantly interfering with one's ability to function. On the other hand, people also attend therapy for personal growth and to further enhance quality of life. Whatever the reason, therapy provides an opportunity to explore your struggles and consider strategies for changing your life in a non-judgmental environment.
I provide services for adolescents and adults. I offer 50 minute individual psychotherapy sessions as well as 90 minute extended sessions when appropriate. Individual psychotherapy sessions may also include family members, significant others, or friends when warranted and as needed. Most often I meet with clients on a weekly basis but we may meet more or less frequently depending on your needs. More information about Individual Psychotherapy.
Areas of Specialization
I provide services for adolescents and adults. I offer 50 minute individual psychotherapy sessions as well as 90 minute extended sessions when appropriate. Individual psychotherapy sessions may also include family members, significant others, or friends when warranted and as needed. Most often I meet with clients on a weekly basis but we may meet more or less frequently depending on your needs. More information about Individual Psychotherapy.
Areas of Specialization
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Therapeutic Approach
My clinical approach is integrative and eclectic, which means that I draw from several theories in my work in order to help individuals make changes and experience relief. This approach allows me to tailor my treatment recommendations to the individual needs of each person and utilize techniques that are going to be most relevant. In general, my orientation to therapy is relational and feminist. This means that I believe environmental forces strongly influence the development of psychological issues. More specifically, relational psychotherapy is based on the premise that psychological problems often arise due to past interpersonal experiences (e.g., family, peer, romantic). Feminist therapy focuses on gender roles and other societal pressures that may contribute to psychological issues for both men and women. Both of these orientations also emphasize the importance of the therapeutic relationship as a mechanism of change. As such, I strive to develop egalitarian working relationships with my clients that allow them to feel understood, cared for, and empowered.
Evidence-Based Treatments
In terms of specific techniques, I primarily use evidence-based treatments, which are treatments that have been supported by rigorous research studies. I most frequently incorporate Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into my practice as these treatments have been found to be particularly effective for eating disorders and anxiety. For more information about these three treatments, see below. More information about evidence-based treatments for specific disorders.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is a group of treatments based on the principle that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. Strategies aim to help individuals change their maladaptive thought processes and decrease problematic behaviors, which in turn results in more positive emotions. There are specific forms of CBT for different disorders including eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD. More information about CBT.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a cognitive behavioral treatment that includes a skills-training component consisting of four modules. The word "dialectical" refers to the concept of being able to hold onto two seemingly different ideas at once. For instance, it is considered important in DBT for individuals to accept themselves as they are and also to be motivated to change. More information about DBT.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches individuals mindfulness skills to reduce the impact of distressing thoughts and feelings. In addition, ACT encourages individuals to identify their own values and to aim to live life in line with what is personally meaningful. More information about ACT.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is a group of treatments based on the principle that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. Strategies aim to help individuals change their maladaptive thought processes and decrease problematic behaviors, which in turn results in more positive emotions. There are specific forms of CBT for different disorders including eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD. More information about CBT.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a cognitive behavioral treatment that includes a skills-training component consisting of four modules. The word "dialectical" refers to the concept of being able to hold onto two seemingly different ideas at once. For instance, it is considered important in DBT for individuals to accept themselves as they are and also to be motivated to change. More information about DBT.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches individuals mindfulness skills to reduce the impact of distressing thoughts and feelings. In addition, ACT encourages individuals to identify their own values and to aim to live life in line with what is personally meaningful. More information about ACT.
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24 S. Prospect St., Suite #104
Amherst, MA 01002 |
Phone: (413) 345-6607
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Fax: (413) 858-7653
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