Therapy Services
Individual Psychotherapy
My therapeutic style is characterized by an integrative approach, tailored to meet the presenting needs of each client and based on evidence-based practices. Modalities utilized may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, exposure and response prevention (ERP), prolonged exposure (PE), and motivational interviewing. Deeply rooted in relational and attachment-centered training and philosophies, my style and approach recognize and honor that our experiences, including our deepest emotions, are profoundly shaped by our relationships with others.
Depression
Depression can significantly impact a person's daily life. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in once-enjoyable activities. Depression can affect how we think, feel, and handle daily activities, and it can also impact our physical health.
Symptoms of depression can vary but often include:
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Persistent sadness, anxiety, or feelings of emptiness
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Feelings of hopelessness
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Irritability
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Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
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Fatigue or decreased energy
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Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
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Changes in appetite or weight
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Thoughts of death or suicide
Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for depression. In my practice, I provide a supportive environment to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We will identify negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies to manage symptoms. I provide comprehensive and personalized care to help individuals overcome depression and improve their overall well-being.
OCD / Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry, fear, or apprehension. These feelings are often out of proportion to the actual threat and can lead to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. Common types of anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Specific Phobias.
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD involves chronic and excessive worry about a wide range of everyday problems. People with GAD often anticipate the worst-case scenario.
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Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, sweating, trembling, sensations of shortness of breath, and feelings of impending doom.
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Social Anxiety Disorder: Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, involves intense fear and avoidance of social situations due to fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated.
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Specific Phobias: Specific phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations, such as heights. Exposure to the phobia can trigger an immediate anxiety response.
To address anxiety disorders, I focus on helping individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors. We will also explore coping strategies and relaxation techniques to manage anxiety symptoms and include elements of exposure therapy when relevant. I also incorporate mindfulness techniques as appropriate, as this tool has been proven effective in helping individuals learn to stay present and reduce the impact of intrusive thoughts and fears.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. These compulsions are aimed at reducing the distress or preventing a feared event or situation.
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I utilize Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) - a specific type of CBT - to treat OCD. It involves gradual, repeated exposure to core fears while preventing compulsions.
Perinatal & Infant Mental Health
Perinatal and infant mental health refer to the emotional well-being of pregnant individuals, new parents, and their infants. This period is crucial for the development of strong parent-infant bonds and sets the stage for the infant's future mental health and development.
Perinatal mental health issues that I treat include:
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Perinatal Depression: This includes depression during pregnancy (prenatal depression) or after childbirth (postpartum depression). Symptoms may include sadness, hopelessness, irritability, and difficulty bonding with the baby.
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Perinatal Anxiety: Anxiety disorders can also occur during pregnancy or after childbirth, leading to excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
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Perinatal PTSD: Some individuals may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to a traumatic childbirth experience.
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Perinatal OCD: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can also occur during the perinatal period, leading to intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
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Parent-Infant Relationship Issues: Difficulties in bonding and attachment between the parent and infant can impact the infant's emotional development.
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As a psychologist with advanced postgraduate training in infant mental health and many years of experience as a former NICU psychologist, I am uniquely qualified to support individuals in the areas of perinatal and infant mental health. In therapy, we will explore and address feelings, thoughts, and behaviors related to this specified period. We will also work together to improve coping strategies and/or enhance the parent-infant relationship. I approach perinatal and infant mental health concerns through the lens of attachment and emotional bonding. I can also collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as obstetricians, pediatricians, and psychiatrists, to ensure comprehensive care for perinatal health.
Trauma
Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to an event or experience that is deeply distressing or disturbing. It can be a one-time event, such as an accident, or it can be ongoing, such as abuse, neglect, or living in violent environments. Trauma can have lasting effects on a person's mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Common symptoms of trauma may include:
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Intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event
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Nightmares or flashbacks
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Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
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Negative changes in beliefs and feelings
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Hyperarousal, including irritability, anger, and hypervigilance
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Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
In the therapy space, my goal is to support individuals who have experienced trauma to heal and regain a sense of control and well-being in their lives. Prolonged exposure can help individuals confront and process memories of the trauma in a safe environment, reducing the power of the memories over time. Relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices may also help individuals manage stress and anxiety related to trauma when utilized effectively and appropriately.
Health & Chronic Illness
Chronic illness can have significant impacts on a person's mental and emotional well-being. Chronic illnesses are long-lasting conditions that can range from mild to severe and often require ongoing medical attention and management. These conditions can affect all aspects of a person's life, including their physical health, relationships, work, and daily activities.
Living with a chronic illness can lead to various emotional and psychological challenges, such as:
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Depression and Anxiety: Chronic illness can increase the risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders due to the stress, uncertainty, and changes in lifestyle that often accompany these conditions.
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Stress: Managing a chronic illness can be stressful, and individuals may struggle with finding effective coping strategies to deal with the physical and emotional demands of their condition.
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Adjustment: Coming to terms with a chronic illness and its impact on one's life can be a significant emotional process that may require support and adjustment.
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Quality of Life: Chronic illness can affect a person's quality of life, including their ability to engage in activities they enjoy, maintain relationships, and work.
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Following well over a decade of experience working with healthcare systems and in medical settings in various capacities, my services in this area are individualized and targeted. I can help individuals with chronic illness improve their mental and emotional well-being, cope with the challenges of their condition, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Grief & Bereavement
Grief and loss are natural responses to losing someone or something important to you. Grief can arise from various experiences, including the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, a miscarriage, or the loss of a job or a pet. It is a complex and personal process that can affect individuals in different ways.
Grief can manifest both emotionally and physically, and it can include a range of feelings such as sadness, anger, guilt, loneliness, and confusion. People experiencing grief may also have physical symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and aches and pains. In some cases, grief can become complicated, lasting longer than expected or significantly impacting a person's ability to function.
I support individuals as they navigate the complex emotions of grief and loss, providing support, understanding, and guidance throughout the healing process. In sessions, we may explore the meaning of the loss, how to cope with the resulting emotional pain, and find ways to adjust to life without the person who was lost.