CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is an evidence-based intervention that includes understanding the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Increasing insight to these elements allows us to change unhelpful thinking patterns and beliefs as means to reduce mental health symptoms.
Being solutions-focused means that much of my approach involves exploring the many possible solutions to the problems someone may bring to therapy. I help you build problem-solving skills, decision-making skills, and learn how to be creative of thorough in finding possible solutions. Let me be clear, this approach includes what you want to do, it will never be my place to tell you what you "should" do. I'm here to help guide you identifying options in any situation and acting on what makes the most sense to you.
Systems theory allows us to understand the many layers of external influences over our development and our life presently. We are each an individual surrounded by many moving parts, systems, that play a role in our day-to-day and across the life span. We can use this framework to understand different factors that may affect mental health to broaden our scope of areas to focus on in therapy.
Feminist therapy integrates psychotherapy approaches with understanding the economic, social, and emotional impacts that institutional oppression throughout society can have on folks existing within one or more oppressed identity populations. Using this lens, I may assist you increasing insight to the typical societal messaging and its connection to harmful belief systems about yourself.
Anxiety
Anxiety makes its way into our lives in many different ways and within different kinds of situations. It can play a role in how we think and what we believe about ourselves. It can also be felt throughout the body. It might show up as perfectionism, lead to negative thinking impacting self-esteem. It might be in social interactions, occur in places or situations surrounding your sport, or happen at work. Where ever and how ever it may manifest, we can work together to tackle these challenges anxiety bring.
Life Transitions
As we grow up and go through the different phases of life, we are constantly engaging in changes and transitions. We don't always notice them if the transitions appear to be seamless, but sometimes these changes feel really scary or unmanageable. Going from high school to college, moving to a new city, or changing jobs constitute some of these changes. Whether the change is expected or unexpected, chosen or not, these transitions can be difficult. I can help with navigating each small step.
Relationships
Humans are unique beings in that relationships and interactions are a part of everyone's life at some point in time. There are many different kinds of relationships and many different layers to each. Relationships also include various forms of communication. As complex as we humans are, that complexity can be compounded with challenging or dysfunctional communication. We may run into problems with our partners or friends, or be managing the impact of a family relationship. Part of my work is recognizing the significance of relationships in our lives and detangle some of these complexities to alleviate some of the stress that comes in this big sector of our lives.
Identity Exploration
We each take on many different roles and identities throughout life, some may be fixed and some may be fluid. We may enter a new period of life or learn something new about ourselves that can be either challenging to reconcile, adjust to, or find community in. I can provide a safe space to explore any identity or identities you may want to explore, from an LGBTQIA+ identity to a role change when your children become adults. We work together to explore the different parts of this identity and achieve your related needs with it.
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I value creating a safe space for all the folks I work with regardless of someone's identities. Assisting you on your mental health journey may involve recognizing and deconstructing the impact of institutional oppression and their narratives for various aspects of identity including gender, race, sexual orientation, SAAB, class, ability, body, religion, and many more. If it is important to you for these to be part of our discussions, know this is a safe space to do so. As a therapist and individual I'm committed to creating an affirming and inclusive space.