Science with a heart.

Comprehensive, Personalized, Evidence-Based Psychotherapy

In my practice, I use evidence-based interventions--techniques which have been shown through research to be effective.  Evidence-based psychotherapy combines the power of science with the power of human care to give people skills they can actively use to manage distress and achieve greater emotional well-being. 

I specialize in providing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which includes a number of therapeutic approaches. 

Traditional CBT focuses on learning effective ways of thinking and coping.  The philosophy of this treatment is that by changing your thoughts and behaviors, you can change how you feel emotionally.  The goal of CBT is to teach skills you can use to decrease your emotional distress, maximize your coping strategies, and achieve your goals.  

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a newer treatment which developed from the CBT tradition, with a growing body of evidence to support its effectiveness.  The focus of ACT is on creating a meaningful life by accepting the full range of emotions that you experience, while committing to taking action guided by your core values.  Acceptance and Mindfulness approaches are featured prominently in ACT.  ACT is a particularly fitting approach when individuals are facing chronic and life-threatening medical conditions. 

I also incorporate additional evidence-based techniques such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Motivational Interviewing. 

My treatment values are to educate, collaborate, empower, and personalize care.

Educate.  I strongly believe that “Knowledge is power.” I view a core part of my role as a psychologist as being an educator.  I focus on sharing information and up-to-date research findings with my patients so that they have a clear understanding of the issues that bring them to psychotherapy and the treatment approach we will use to address these issues.  Education is a core value for me.  Alongside my clinical work, I have engaged in teaching and administrative roles throughout my professional career, since the beginning of my training. 

Collaborate.  I work together with my patients to help them reach their goals within a respectful, encouraging, and supportive environment.  We mutually decide what to focus on in session and what direction to head in our work.  We continually evaluate and adjust our treatment plan as needed.  I also collaborate, as indicated, with other healthcare professionals (including psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and specialists), to facilitate coordinated care.

Empower.  My goal as a psychologist is to empower my patients by teaching them practical, effective, strategies they can use independently to manage their emotional and physical health.   I focus on building upon a person's existing strengths and looking for ways to use these strengths in new ways.  

Personalize Care.  I dedicate the first few sessions of psychotherapy to understanding the nuances and context of the concerns that bring someone to seek help.  I then create a personalized “roadmap” for a comprehensive plan of care which we discuss and fine-tune.  

My private practice setting allows me to provide thorough, attentive, thoughtful care.