My Tools

You are unique, and so your treatment will be uniquely suited to you. We will  work together to discover what works best for you.

I generally use a combination of Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,  and Stress Mangement Skills Training. Tools for increased self exploration, such as guided imagery and self hypnosis, can be brought in,  if and when appropriate.

Studies today show that the  single most important factor in healing  is the relationship between the client and the therapist. It is important to me that we form an alliance which is supportive of your needs and goals. I will regularly check in with you to see how YOU think we are doing as a team.

The Client Centered approach is based on compassionate listening. Sometimes you will need someone to hear your story, or let you express your feelings, without trying to intervene.

Often it is difficult for family or friends to just listen.  They may want to cheer you up, or give advice to help make the problem go away.

What I bring to the table is the ability to be fully present, and to hear whatever it is you need to express.  Clients have described me as a gentle and compassionate listener. Chances are, you may feel a huge sense of relief at being listened to without being judged. This can help pave the way toward “hearing” your own inner wisdom.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings. In other words, our interpretation of an event or situation will determine how we feel and respond to it.

Two people in the same situation might react in one of the following two ways: “This is really awful, this should not be, my life is now ruined because of this!” or, “This is really unfortunate, this is really sad, it is too bad it happened, now let me see how I can get through it.”  Some may even go as far as too add, “Now that this unfortunate thing has happened, let’s see if I can use it as an opportunity to improve something in my life.”

In our sessions, when you feel ready, we will take a look at some of your beliefs together and see if it would be helpful to modify them.   We will keep going back and forth between the “expressing yourself” stage, and the “looking at your beliefs” stage as needed.

Studies show that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is  very effective, often more effective than medication, in treating anxiety, panic and depression.  I have obtained a license from David Burns, bestselling author on treating anxiety, to unlimited use of his Therapist Toolkit.  It is chock full of exercises in treating anxiety and panic, using Cognitive Behavioral techniques.

Stressful periods in our lives can leave us feeling overwhelmed, frightened, or confused. Some react to stress by shutting down. Others run around in circles trying to do everything and get nowhere. In a stressful state of mind, it can be hard to know how to take effective actions to solve problems.

Learning natural ways to reduce stress can help you to sort things out. With a relaxed mind and body, it is much easier to decide what steps to take next. Stress reduction will also help you feel happier and more able to cope. You can feel in charge of your life again.

I will present various tools for you to try, and support you in learning them. Some of the methods we try may include breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, meditation, guided imagery, mindfulness practices, and self hypnosis. Clients have stated that they feel really relaxed for the first time, and better able to overcome their anxiety and panic.