My Approach to Counseling
Life is ______ . How do you fill in the blank? We are all striving to feel heard, understood and connected, but all too often this business of being human – our personal histories and our entangled thinking – brings struggle and suffering. We can lose our purpose, passion and vision. We can feel unsteady, lost and disconnected from our true self. I can help. My counseling approach is not about discipline or endless goals. It’s not about hard work or grit. It’s about stilling the mind, seeing clearly, removing barriers and realizing your innate capacity. Capacity for wisdom. Capacity for love. Capacity for resiliency. Capacity to realize your full potential.
Evidence-Based Modalities
In my work with people just like you, I use several forms of therapy. Some of these approaches are behavioral, some are experiential, others fall under the category of psychodynamic. What this means is that we can approach problems and issues in a number of ways, according to your unique wants and needs. And although I’m always willing to develop a customized approach for my clients, I only use evidence-based methods that are supported by research in the field of psychology.
Psychodynamic Approach
A psychodynamic approach to counseling sees human functioning as a result of drives, forces and mental processes – many of which are inaccessible to consciousness. The approach also holds that our feelings, decisions and motives are powerfully influenced by past experiences. In sessions, therapists encourage clients to talk freely and openly about whatever comes to mind; helping clients discover patterns in their emotions, and beliefs. This enables clients to understand themselves in new ways, and become more aware and accepting of their authentic self.
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Expressive / Experiential Techniques
A therapy technique where clients use expressive tools or activities (e.g. expressive art, role-playing, music) to uncover and understand emotions that influence their life. The principle behind the effectiveness of this type of therapy is that by re-enacting the experience in a safe and controlled setting, clients are able to release repressed, negative emotions and replace them with more helpful emotions. It is particularly useful in treating trauma, destructive anger, grief, compulsive behaviors and addiction.
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Internal Family Systems
IFS is an integrative approach to individual psychotherapy that values a systems perspective and views the mind as being made up of a collection of subpersonalities or parts. Have you ever found yourself saying something like; “Part of me wants to do (blank), but another part of me knows that’s not a good idea.” If so, then you already have some understanding of IFS. It’s important to note that IFS views people as “whole,” with a true “Self” that is naturally healing. The qualities of healing include curiosity, connectedness, compassion, and calmness.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings and behaviors all interact together. Clients learn to recognize, understand and change automatic thoughts that are contributing to emotional difficulties. CBT is helpful in treating anxiety, depression, phobias, panic attacks and addictions.
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Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy views people as separate from their problems. It takes a respectful, non-blaming approach to counseling that utilizes the natural human tendency of storytelling. Through this form of counseling, clients are empowered to make changes in their thought patterns and “rewrite” their life story for a future that reflects who they are, and what they are capable of.
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Mindfulness-Based Practices
A basic definition of “mindfulness,” is present-moment awareness. Another way to put it is that mindfulness is the practice of nonjudgmental intentional attention. One key benefit has to do with becoming less reactive. Through a variety of mindfulness exercises, (e.g. body scans, breathing exercises, meditation) clients learn to increase awareness and create space between strong emotions and their responses.
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Session Format Options
In-Person / Office
My office is conveniently located in Crested Butte and provides a comfortable setting for in-person sessions.
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Remote Teletherapy
Teletherapy provides a safe, effective, flexible format for engaging in counseling. I use a secure, encrypted, HIPPA-compliant platform.
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Walk & Talk / Outdoor
Walk and Talk therapy sessions provide another alternative to in-office sessions.
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Types of Therapy
Individual Psychotherapy
In the process of Individual Adult Counseling, I meet with one client at a time in my private counseling office. Benefits of Individual Psychotherapy Include:
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Group Counseling
In the process of Group Counseling, I offer two kinds of groups: Open and Closed. Open groups allow members to join or leave at any time, providing flexibility and continuous support for specific issues. Closed groups have a fixed, set membership, allowing participants to begin and end the program together, which typically fosters strong cohesion and trust. Topics of Past Groups Have Included:
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"To the mind that is still,
the whole universe surrenders."
-Lao Tzu
the whole universe surrenders."
-Lao Tzu