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    My Therapy Practice

    Therapy with Children

    In the course of more than twenty years of practice, I find that a family systems approach to working with children is most effective in resolving their problems effectively and quickly. I consider the child in his whole life environment: family, school, friends. Typically, I see the parents in the first session. After that, I work with parents on a tailor-made set of strategies for their child. Whether a child has been diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder, oppositional-defiant disorder, anxiety or depression, I empower parents to help their child improve behavior and become happier. I work cooperatively with the child’s pediatrician and/or psychiatrist if the child has been taking medication. Usually 4-6 sessions is enough to resolve most childhood problems. I give all parents in my practice a copy of my parenting guide 21 Days to a Happy Child. When parents follow it conscientiously, they tell me it works like magic!

    Therapy with Adults

    I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution focused therapy, Focusing, as well as drawing on other approaches, to relieve anxiety, depression, mood swings, or challenges with life transitions. I do not have a one-size-fits-all approach. I take a holistic perspective and get to know you as an individual in your whole life situation: family, work, home environment, exercise, diet, etc. Then I discuss with you what changes you would like to make in your life and how you would like to proceed in therapy.

    Therapy with Couples

    Modern day-to-day life puts a lot of stress on maintaining a good relationship with your spouse or partner. After finding out the issues blocking communication and what changes in the relationship each partner would like to see, I provide you with custom-designed strategies for problem solving, regaining intimacy and romance, improving communication, healing after affairs, dealing with adult children or other issues.

    To read my article on how counseling can help restore love and trust after an affair click here

    Telehealth

    Do you need support, but can’t make it to an in-person appointment? Are you a busy stay-at-home or working parent, and don’t have the time to drive across town for an appointment? Do you live in a more rural area, or maybe you prefer to just do things virtually? If so, I can help you through virtual therapy, or telehealth. Telehealth allows us to provide counseling to our clients via live video conferencing. This can be done anywhere you have a computer or smartphone or even a telephone. According to my clients and my own experience, telehealth sessions are remarkably effective.

    Social Anxiety Counseling

    All of us feel scared sometimes. We might feel butterflies in our stomach when we have to give a presentation in front of an audience or have an interview for a new job. Our hearts pound and our breathing becomes rapid. Some degree of anxiety in these kinds of situations is natural.

    Some people, however, experience intense anxiety or nervousness when faced with everyday social situations They fear being judged or criticized by others. They are worried about making a mistake and looking bad or being embarrassed in front of others. This kind of nervousness, when it is a persistent pattern, is called social anxiety. It can keep us from achieving happiness in our lives. Therapy can help with social anxiety, however long the fears have been going on.

    Family Counseling

    Some of the typical reasons for seeking family therapy are: divorce, co-parenting after divorce, parent-child conflict, behavioral problems of children or teenagers, adult child estrangement, or the loss of a family member. Family therapy is the most efficient and effective way of solving problems like children’s behavioral or school problems, ADHD, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and oppositional defiant behavior. Changing entrenched family patterns, having parents come to agreement on rules and consequences–these are the issues tackled by the family therapist.

    Family therapy is also helpful with young adults who are leaving home, making decisions about college, and trying to shape their own individual identities separate from their parents.