Approach to Therapy
The quality of the relationship between a therapist and client, called the “therapeutic alliance,” is an important predictor of successful therapy results.
I believe that symptoms are expressions of unmet needs and that they make sense when considered within the context of one’s environment, past experiences, relationships, and cultural background. Understanding symptoms through this lens fosters a compassionate path toward healing.
My Approach to Therapy
I use an integrative approach that blends trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices, with cultural sensitivity and strengths-focus that is tailored for each client. Techniques include co-regulation, reflective listening, and thoughtful questioning. My work emphasizes deep exploration, collaboration, insight, perspective shifts, connection, skill building, and self-advocacy.
Depending on your prior therapy experience, you may not always recognize the specific approaches used during sessions. Below is a list of common orientations and interventions I employ, carefully selected to support your unique therapeutic goals. These methods are applied with flexibility, always prioritizing your comfort and progress throughout the therapeutic process.
Primary modalities that inform my work:
Attachment Theory: Explores how early childhood relationships with caregivers impact a person’s ability to form healthy relationships later in life.
Family Systems Theory: Views families as interconnected emotional units where the behavior of each member influences the entire system.
Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizes personal growth, self-awareness, and the client’s potential.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): Sees the mind as made up of different “parts” each with its own roles, feelings, and motivations. These parts are normal responses to experiences, including trauma.
Narrative Therapy: Helps people separate problems from themselves by reshaping the stories they tell about their lives into more empowering ones.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Focuses on unconscious processes and early life experiences to understand current behaviors.
Frequently, I integrate techniques and interventions from these therapeutic modalities:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps individuals accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with their values.
Art Therapy: Uses creative art-making to explore emotions and improve mental well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Builds skills of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT): Encourages processing and understanding emotions.
Existential Therapy: Explores themes of freedom, responsibility, meaning, and mortality.
Mindfulness: Develops present moment awareness and non-judgmental observation of thoughts and feelings.
Positive Psychology: Supports strengths, well-being, and optimal functioning.
Solution-Focused Therapy: Emphasizes identifying solutions and strengths rather than dwelling on problems.
Somatic Therapy: Assists healing by connecting the mind and body.