Typical Challenges:

• Emotional Dysregulation - a.k.a. that emotional rollercoaster with lots of ups & downs

• Relationship Difficulties

• Negative Thoughts (including thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide)

• Isolating

• Impulsiveness

• Difficulty concentrating or paying attention

• Difficulty finding a sense of self and/or direction in life

• Lack of Motivation

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities or not wanting to try new things

• Difficulty sleeping

How I Can Help:

Often time when we have unresolved trauma we typically feel anxious and/or depressed. These feelings tend to get in the way of being our best selves. This is because we have negative cognitions that are shifting the way we walk in this world. These are thoughts such as, “I am not good enough”, “I can’t get what I want”, “I am a failure”, “I’m stupid”, “I’m ugly”, and on and on.

I will be able to help you identify these thoughts and gain insight into how they are popping in your life and causing distress. Once you have gained insight into these negative cognitions and built coping skills to manage the distress, we will work together to change them into more positive cognitions. And not in some Pollyanna “think positively and everything will be sunshine and rainbows” type of way. I ensure you we will work to get to the root of the negative cognitions so we can “change the climate and not just the weather.”

This is done through the evidenced based approach of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, of course, with my added creativity and humor!

If you are still struggling emotionally after DBT, I will integrate trauma reprocessing via Eye-Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR). Think of DBT as the foundational treatment needed for EMDR to be successful!

What You Can Expect:

I like to think of doing therapy as preparing to go on long hike. That is, you are going to tell me where you want to go (a.k.a., set a Life Worth Living Goal), we will get prepared for the hike (a.k.a., learn coping skills and gain resources), and then we will begin our trek with stops and sight seeing along the way (a.k.a., setting weekly short-term goals). Along the way you might find that you have to go down to go up, there may be winding paths, and you may choose you want a different destination along the way! All of that is okay! I am here to be your guide on the hike and will keep you on track!

It is my goal to provide the right environment for your journey. I will create a safe and validating atmosphere, while also being direct and aiding you in taking accountability as needed.