I utilize evidence-based treatments, primarily Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.  I also utilize methods including Exposure with Response for Prevention (ERP), Behavior Management, Mindfulness, Relaxation Training, Habit Reversal Training, Collaborative Problem Solving, Social Cognitive Training, elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a collaborative, goal-oriented, practical approach to treatment. It is one of the most well-researched treatment approaches for anxiety and other disorders and has been found to be effective in the relief of symptoms of distress and anxiety, improved mood and enhanced well-being. CBT engages clients, including the child and their parent, as a team. Teens and young adults learn to manage their difficulties with the support of trusted adults in their lives. The goals include developing tools to better understand one’s thoughts, feelings and actions, and learning strategies to effect change in each of these areas. Ultimately, CBT provides a set of tools to manage one’s difficulties in healthy and adaptive ways. Through CBT, clients learn healthy ways to calm their bodies and minds, alternative ways to think about things and new, adaptive ways to behave. I use many techniques to teach the recognition of one’s thoughts and how to respond differently to negative and unhealthy thought patterns. I teach strategies for behavioral change and facing fears gradually, armed with tools, one step at a time. I also teach relaxation tools and make personalized relaxation recordings for clients when needed as part of the treatment plan.

Mindfulness
Another way I teach tools for increased awareness of thoughts and feelings, and for calming one’s mind and body is through Mindfulness. Throughsubstantial research, Mindfulness has been shown to have many positive benefits on health and mental health.

 I specialize in treating difficulties in youth and young adults including:

Information about most of these disorders can be found on my Resources page.

Tailored treatment

Children
I use playful and creative methods, based on sound research, and tailored to the age and developmental abilities of the child, in order to help children learn about and manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviors.  I teach them tools to cope with challenges in healthy ways.

Teens
I talk to teens in a language they can hear and listen respectfully to their perspective. I teach teens how to gain mastery over their difficulties and cope with the challenges of adolescence, providing them with the tools they need to be resilient in the face of stress and adversity.

Young Adults
I work with college students, graduate students and other young adults starting their careers and establishing their independence. This transitional time can be exciting, but also stressful and anxiety-producing. I help them navigate these transitions, using treatments based on research findings, arming them with tools for understanding and managing their thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

Parents
Parenting can be a highly rewarding and very difficult job. As a parent myself, I know first hand how much more it pushes us to face our own struggles, emotions and stressors. Using the latest research findings on effective parenting, I provide concrete tools and strategies to parents to help them manage their own emotions, plus the emotions and behaviors of their children. I teach parents how to better understand why their children behave the way they do; how they can parent from a place of understanding, compassion, and competence; and how they can enhance their child’s resilience and well-being. I work with parents individually and facilitate groups to provide parents an opportunity to share with and support one another, while learning parenting strategies. Periodically, I offer groups for parents of children with particular disorders, including anxiety and OCD.