My Approach
As someone who has studied, practiced, and partaken in multiple therapeutic approaches, I have developed a therapeutic style that fits me well.
More than anything else, I find it crucial to empathize, support, and engage in a genuine and warm curiosity towards my clients. I make a conscious effort to bring my “self” in my sessions, and try to steer away from too much “therapese”. For some clients, that is what they are looking for and providing that critical safe space is all that they need to heal, change, and grow.
Some clients, however, want and need something different. I believe that developing a healthy relationship with the self and others is a skill, and therefore it can be taught. For the clients that want it, I can seamlessly shift to providing specific, concrete tools that my clients can use to drastically improve their mental health.
Modalities
Here are some of the main therapeutic modalities that I utilize in my practice
CBT
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, also known as CBT, focuses on how our thoughts influence our emotions and our behaviors. Clients identify and challenge their negative thoughts through a variety of techniques. Sessions frequently involve some level of teaching, skill-building, and practice. Therapy homework is commonly assigned.
I primarily utilize a form of CBT known as TEAM-CBT, which incorporates measurement and feedback before and after sessions, specific strategies to address motivation to change (and motivation not to change!), and a variety of effective techniques to facilitate rapid change.
Exposure Therapy for Anxiety
Exposure therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach in which clients re-learn their relationship with their fear by facing them in a controlled, gradual, and safe manner.
I-CBT for OCD
Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) is a specific treatment modality for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. This approach is based on the central idea that obsessions are abnormal doubts about what “could be”, or “might be”. I-CBT aims to bring resolution to obsessional doubts by giving clients the tools to trust their inner and outer senses, which leaves no room for obsessional doubts.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals accept what is beyond their control while committing to valued actions that enrich their lives. Exploring and clarifying values, mindfulness techniques, and learning to disentangle from unhelpful thoughts are cornerstone techniques in ACT.
Clinical Hypnosis
Clinician hypnosis, AKA Hypnotherapy, utilizes various hypnotic techniques to bring about positive changes in one thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Clinical hypnosis is distinctly different from stage hypnosis, and is typically conducted by trained and qualified professionals. While in a hypnotic state, individuals remain in control and cannot be made to do anything against their will. The effectiveness of clinical hypnosis can vary from person to person, and it may not be suitable for everyone.