My Approach

I am committed to treating my clients with warmth, interest, respect and professionalism. Feeling seen and heard in a non-judgmental, nurturing space is essential for the work of therapy.

Studies have repeatedly shown that the single-most important factor in therapeutic outcomes is the relationship between the therapist and client.

I bring a collaborative stance to the partnership with my clients in working toward gaining self-compassion, self-understanding; and in exploring challenges and working for change and growth.

I use evidence-based treatments supported by current research. My integrative approach allows me to flexibly draw from different therapeutic strategies based on the needs of my clients. My approach draws predominantly from the following:

Metacognitive Therapy (MCT): Metacognitive therapy is recent development in understanding the causes of psychological problems and in treating them. One of the features of anxiety and depression is that thinking becomes caught up in patterns of brooding and dwelling on the self, on worry and on the fixation of attention on threat. These strategies tend to backfire, leading to a worsening and maintenance of emotional distress. MCT is concerned with helping clients develop new ways of controlling their attention and relating to negative thoughts and beliefs. This approach is particularly well-suited to treating disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, health anxiety, PTSD, OCD, social anxiety, and depression

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is an empirically validated method of treatment that emphasizes how our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors. Our past experiences can shape the way we think; often leading to dysfunctional thought patterns. These negative thoughts and beliefs can lead to emotional distress and harmful behaviors. In CBT the client learns strategies to reduce irrational thinking and change behavior patterns, leading to improved well-being. The approach is goal-oriented and emphasizes problem-solving strategies.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Mindfulness combined with cognitive therapy has been shown to be highly effective in combatting anxiety, stress, exhaustion and depression. This approach can be very useful for anyone struggling to keep up with the constant demands of the modern world. Mindfulness is a form of mental training that enhances mental and physical wellbeing. This allows you to catch your negative thoughts before they tip you into a negative spiral. Over time mindfulness practice brings about long-term changes in the mood and levels of happiness.

Eye-movement, Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR was originally designed to treat symptoms and emotional distress resulting from disturbing or traumatic life experiences. EMDR consists of several phases (history taking, ensuring ability to self soothe, active treatment). In the active treatment phase the client is to identify an image of a negative memory, a negative belief about self as well as related emotions and bodily sensations. Various forms of bilateral (to-sided) stimulation in the form of eye movements or taps are provided in sets while the client focuses on the image, negative belief and bodily sensations. EMDR therapy can give an accelerated processing of traumatic material. The method may also be utilized in the treatment of other psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, complicated grief, self-issues, reactions to physical disorders and other states associated with strong emotions.

Clinical hypnosis can be a potent means for facilitating movement towards a more empowered and satisfying life. Some of the most common evidence-based uses of hypnosis are: acute and chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, depression, insomnia/improving sleep quality, habit control, IBS, headaches and migraines. Hypnosis is also used to enhance performance. For more information on hypnosis, click on Clinical Hypnosis under the Treatment tab.