Treatment Approach

My treatment approach pulls on training in psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, family systems theory and mindfulness approaches. The following is a brief description of each:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT examines the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A CBT therapist will address the faulty automatic thinking that leads to self-destructive actions (behaviors). The therapist and client work actively and collaboratively to solve current issues or obstacles in a person’s life. The therapy is goal-directed and problem-focused.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Looks at unconscious processes that impact a person’s present behavior or circumstances they find themselves in. The goal of therapy is bringing unconscious material (thoughts, feelings, behaviors) into conscious awareness. It looks at past experiences and how this impacts current circumstances.

Family Systems Theory

Family Systems was developed by Murray Bowen, MD a psychiatrist who believed that an individual needs to be viewed as operating within an intensely emotionally connected family system. Family members are interconnected and “systems thinking” describes the complex interactions that occur. Because of this interconnectedness, when problems arise the connections can turn from comforting to stressful. The approach serves to re-align the family system so that it meets the needs of its members.

Mindfulness Approach

With roots in Buddhism and influenced in part by Jon-Kabat Zin, mindfulness brings awareness and complete attention to the present experience. It seeks to alleviate suffering (anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict). By practicing loving-kindness and a non-judgmental acceptance to every day thoughts, feelings and behaviors, every situation is acknowledged and accepted “as it is.” Successful therapy seeks to change the client’s relationship to his or her specific form of psychological suffering.