Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.  It is proven effective in treating trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.  EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions and can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.

Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), complicated grief, and trauma-related problems in children and adolescents ages 3-18.  It has been proven effective in reducing PTSD symptoms, externalizing behaviors, sexualized behaviors, and shame in children who have experienced trauma and abuse and has been named “Best Practice” for cases of child abuse (Medical University of South Carolina).

Exposure and Response Prevention (Ex/RP or ERP)

Ex/RP is an evidence-based treatment which is effective for individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), specific phobias, and anxiety-related disorders. This treatment includes exposing yourself to fears while decreasing avoidance patterns and ritual behaviors. Exposures are expected to increase anxiety/distress initially. With repeated practice, the majority of individuals experience a significant reduction in symptoms of distress and increased freedom.

Play Therapy

Children communicate, interact with and understand their world, and process emotions through play.  In play therapy, a therapist who is trained in this modality oversees the play, provides selected play materials, and facilitates the development of a safe relationship for the child to fully express themselves and explore their world.  Children learn to communicate, express feelings, process trauma, problem solve, and practice new behaviors.  Play therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in treating a number of childhood concerns such as: anxiety, depression, acting out behaviors, grief, trauma, chronic illness, family/adjustment issues, and autism.

Parent Sessions/Family Therapy

Parents need support, too!  Sometimes it may be helpful for us to meet without your child in order to find new strategies for a specific behavior, work through a parenting disagreement, or just feel supported.  Other times, it can be helpful to meet with you and your child (and/or other family members) to address family dynamics, communication patterns, and concerns together.  We will practice healthy communication strategies and problem solving as a system.  Common reasons for a parent or family session are life transitions (marriage, divorce, move, death), conflict, mental or physical illness of a member of the family, and adoption concerns.

General Therapy

In addition to the specialized therapies mentioned, I also provide general individual therapy.  I use evidence-based practices including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, self-compassion, and relaxation to treat concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress caused by life transitions. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults.