Individual psychotherapy
I approach individual therapy from an insight-oriented, psychodynamic perspective. This means I work to help my patients develop a curiosity about themselves and to better understand their thoughts and feelings. Psychodynamic therapy involves exploring recurring patterns of thought and behavior that have caused distress. Understanding the origin of those patterns allows people to make meaningful changes in areas that used to feel frustrating or out of control. Making changes to deeply entrenched narratives or behaviors can be hard work, and as such I draw on a variety of approaches including mindfulness and skill-building exercises when appropriate.
Individual therapy appointments are scheduled for 50 – 55 minutes. Most people find they receive the most benefit when we meet weekly as it gives us good momentum and continuity. In some cases we may meet more or less frequently – your treatment plan is tailored to you. I am not an in-network provider with any insurance company, but I can provide you with paperwork to file with your insurance for reimbursement if requested. The customer service department from your health insurance plan will be able to tell you whether you are allowed reimbursement for out-of-network mental health services and give you the details of your coverage. I can also accept payment from health spending accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA).
Couples therapy
My approach to couples therapy is grounded in Dr, Stan Tatkin’s Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (or PACT for short). As a Level-II trained PACT therapist, (meaning I have completed over 100 hours of in-person training with Stan Tatkin, including ongoing consultation and webinars), my work is experiential and strategic. Looking at the ways we were programmed to connect in childhood, I help partners understand and develop new ways to communicate and grow as a couple. With a deeper understanding of each other, I support couples in navigating their struggles more successfully, deepening their connection, and making meaningful changes in how they communicate and interact.
Because of the experiential nature of PACT, early sessions are longer than the traditional 45 minute therapy hour, lasting between 2 and 3 hours. We are able to make significant changes in these longer sessions, and as a result often do not have to meet as frequently. PACT therapists also do not treat or communicate with individual partners separately outside of the designated couples session. To do so would complicate things and make things worse for the relationship. It is to protect you as a couple.
Initial couples therapy appointments must be scheduled for a minimum of 2 hours in duration, although sometimes 2.5 to 3 hours is preferred, depending on the concerns bringing you in. During our initial session we will discuss future scheduling, including length and frequency of future meetings.
You can read more about PACT here, or listen to Stan’s Tedx Talk on relationships here:
Psychological Assessment and Consultation
As a clinical psychologist, I also provide personality testing and assessment. My experience includes providing written evaluations requested by attorneys, private corporations, and adoption agencies. I also provide assessment and evaluations needed for clearance for certain medical procedures and employment assignments.