How I Work
Evidence-based, holistic, and individualized
My Clinical Style
I try my best to balance professionalism while also “keeping it real”. I’ve been told by clients that my style feels down to earth and relatable – not overly clinical. I don’t use a lot of fancy clinical jargon and try not to over complicate things. I strive for therapy to feel more like a chat over coffee with a good friend, as opposed to a cold doctor’s office visit. My goal is not to make therapy intimidating.
I try not to take myself too seriously and I like to use humor. We will probably laugh…a lot!
Cursing is perfectly fine in my office. I’m very comfortable with tears and always keep the tissues stocked. We can talk about anything that you feel is relevant to your life: religion, sex, money, constipation issues, whatever. After so many years in practice, I’ve heard just about everything. I want you to feel comfortable to be authentic and unapologetically you!
My Approach
Evidence-based, holistic, and individualized
I take a collaborative approach to therapy and value working as a team. I don’t give “advice” but I do provide direct feedback based on my observations and what I’m learning about you. I’m an active participant in therapy – offering new perspectives for you to consider, providing tools for coping, and challenging you when you’re stuck.
Lifestyle modifications and basic self-care practices (exercise, nutrition, sleep) are also frequently discussed. I understand that people are complex and a one size fits all approach to therapy just doesn’t work. I commonly integrate components of evidence-based modalities, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
As a CBT therapist, I tend to use evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions the most, given our thoughts and perceptions greatly impact our feelings and behaviors. CBT aims to challenge and reframe the negative thoughts that don’t serve you and hold you back in life.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, or ACT, is a specialized branch of CBT which helps to build psychological flexibility by fostering acceptance and tolerance for experiencing unpleasant emotions. ACT simultaneously focuses on teasing out your core values and helps you live a meaningful life aligned with those.
My Practice
The mission of my practice is to provide high-quality mental health care to women who value therapy and are motivated to work on themselves.
Have you ever been to see a healthcare provider and felt like you were just another number in their long day? Did you feel like they weren’t really listening or prioritizing your care? I have, and it’s awful! I decided when I opened my practice that I wanted to help change that narrative.
I intentionally carry a small caseload
Providing quality mental health care is more important to me than working with a large number of clients. I intentionally choose to keep my practice specialized and on the smaller side so that you are receiving a present and invested therapist each time we meet. Nobody needs a burned-out therapist.
I specialize in treating a few things – well
I’m not a “general therapist” who works with many different kinds of clients with many different types of issues. I make it a point to only work with clients I feel I’m the best fit for and can be the most helpful to – like the ones described on my website.
I would not be a good fit for people looking for therapy for: severe depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, substance use/abuse, trauma/PTSD, and active eating disorders.
If during therapy we determine that I’m not a good clinical fit or my approach doesn’t seem to be helping you, I will help find you a great therapist who is. There is a good match out there for everyone. I want you to find that therapist – You deserve that!
Private Pay/Self-Pay Therapy
I choose not to accept insurance in my practice because accepting insurance would negatively impact my ability to provide you with the best care that I can. I’m not willing to sacrifice the quality of care I provide in order to participate with insurance companies. I would rather focus all of my efforts on helping you!
In-Person Therapy
Most people come to me looking for in person therapy because they’re tired of looking at screens all day, and want to connect with a human face to face. Maybe you can relate. Or maybe you’ve tried virtual therapy before and didn’t feel it was a fit. I prioritize office based sessions in my practice for this reason. In person sessions are held in a quiet and confidential office space with ample off-street parking.
Virtual Therapy
Virtual sessions are available for sick days, snow days, days when life is just too darn busy to make it to the office, or by client preference.