HELPFUL INFORMATION

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, refers to a variety of treatments that focuses on the interaction of thoughts/beliefs, feelings, and behaviors. CBT assists individuals in clarifying that not all thoughts are true or adaptive. This treatment approach is collaborative in that the therapist and client work together to learn how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are related to each other. From there, we can develop healthier responses and ways of thinking. This treatment focuses both on reducing negative thinking and on developing behaviors that help you to problem solve, tolerate distress, and gain mastery of your life.

Mindfulness is used to help individuals become aware of thoughts and feelings in the present moment, in order to experience them without being controlled by them. It is also used to create and increase emotional intelligence. Some people refer to mindfulness strategies like meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises. While these certainly are mindfulness-based activities - and are incredibly effective- I teach mindfulness as a mental state of awareness, focused attention, and whole-hearted openness. In this way, mindfulness allows one to be engaged in the "here and now," and less, or un-, burdened by challenging thoughts and emotions.
In ACT, mindfulness skills are cultivated by way of three core processes: acceptance of thoughts, feelings, and urges; defusion, or gaining distance from unhelpful thoughts and emotions; and, contact with the present moment, as it is, with curiosity. 
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (based on the large body of work by John Kabat-Zinn) are also effective modalities incorporating training in non-judgmental and intentional awareness with effective cognitive and behavioral strategies.
Mindfulness training is a core element of my practice because I believe it helps people to fundamentally change the way they relate to uncomfortable emotions and feelings. This, in turn, allows them to live their lives with more vitality and intention.

Services provided by way of secure, HIPAA compliant telehealth platforms allow clients to see their providers with greater ease and convenience. There is substantial evidence that teletherapy is an effective and appropriate alternative to in-person services for many individuals. Teletherapy allows for: more accessibility (for example, if the preferred therapist's office is far from the client, or scheduling constraints); potentially lower costs (not traveling for care, paying for childcare); privacy; and, as we navigate this pandemic/epidemic, better public health. Teletherapy is NOT appropriate for some individuals and may not be suited for certain treatment modalities. My practice has operated via Telehealth exclusively for several years with great success and patient-reported satisfaction. In our consultation call and throughout treatment, I will be assessing whether teletherapy is clinically appropriate for you.

Click above for a variety of mental health and psychological resources.