Every client is unique, with particular strengths and struggles. Treatment is tailored to best suit the goals and needs of each client.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
I specialize in cognitive behavioral approaches that help clients identify thoughts, patterns, and behaviors that are keeping them stuck. This is a broad class of treatments that is well-researched and has been shown to be effective with many different types of problems. Your thoughts and behaviors have a huge impact on how you feel. Often times, unhelpful thoughts and behaviors can interfere with living a joyful, meaningful, and productive life. CBT involves increasing awareness of such thoughts and behaviors and intentionally challenging and shifting away from them. CBT is active, present-focused, and involves learning new ways of thinking and acting. CBT also involves decreasing avoidance- a key factor that keeps anxiety and other problems strong. When you feel anxious, scared, or uncomfortable it makes sense to avoid the source of discomfort. However, decades of research indicate that avoidance actually maintains suffering and is counterproductive in the long run. CBT approaches have been shown to be effective for a variety of problems including anxiety, depression, insomnia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), emphasize increasing awareness and acceptance of internal experiences such as thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in your body. Unlike traditional cognitive behavioral therapy, these approaches focus less directly on reducing symptoms, and more explicitly on working toward broader life goals and living a values-driven life. Mindfulness approaches have been shown to be helpful for a variety of difficulties and conditions and can lead to a greater sense of wellbeing and ease. Mindfulness techniques can be compatible with traditional CBT, and I often combine elements of both approaches when working with clients.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment
I have expertise in providing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE), two gold standard treatments for PTSD that have been shown to be effective in helping trauma survivors decrease their symptoms and reclaim their lives. I am a certified provider of CPT, having undergone rigorous training at the VA West Los Angeles Healthcare Center. I have extensive experience working with sexual assault survivors, as well as individuals who have experienced other types of trauma. I also believe in the vital importance of helping people with PTSD understand the difficult, confusing, and often overwhelming symptoms they are experiencing. I provide PTSD psycho-education and skills training to help clients understand their experiences and learn tools to manage distressing symptoms.