My Approach to Therapy

I am a relational therapist, meaning that I prioritize our therapeutic relationship as the driver of success in therapy. 

I primarily take a person-centered approach to therapy - this means that I encourage my clients to initiate the talking points and lead the conversation. I believe in empowering my clients to take ownership for their mental health, reach their own epiphanies, and ask for guidance when needed. 

How I will support you: 

  • Provide unconditional positive regard - take a nonjudgmental approach through validation and acceptance 

  • Congruence - I will be honest and transparent in how I am experiencing you and your world

  • Empathy - I will strive to make you feel seen and heard

How you can support yourself: 

  • Come to therapy ready with topics that you’d like to process

  • Ask for feedback and guidance when you need it

  • Advocate for yourself when you feel misunderstood

  • Be honest and allow for full disclosure (this is the only way therapy works!)

  • Be patient with the process - healing takes time

I utilize “the here and now”, ”in our sessions together to bring awareness to your present feelings and experiences. What does this mean? 

  • Focus on the present moment

  • Explore how we interact with one another, to identify patterns in behavior and relationship dynamics

  • Awareness of current thoughts and feelings in session

  • Questions I may ask: “What are you feeling right now?”, “How are you experiencing this conversation”, “How are you and I doing?”

How is utilizing “the here and now” helpful? 

  • Practice being “present” 

  • Bring more self-awareness

  • Understand how others perceive you 

  • Practice relational skills

  • Less focus on the past

  • Quicker growth and results

Specialties

Types of Therapy

tele-counseling

Tele-counseling is a form of therapy conducted through secure video conferencing platforms, allowing us to connect and work together in real-time, regardless of your location. This all allows you the convenience and privacy to access support from the comfort of your own space.

in-person therapy

In person therapy at a local office in Ormond Beach, Florida. Some people prefer the connection that face-to-face communication brings to the therapy room. I offer a comfortable, intimate space where you’re able to feel safe and connected to your healing experience.

walk and talk therapy

I offer “walk and talk” therapy, nearby my office in downtown Ormond Beach. I have an identified route that we will walk, between Vining Ct and E Granada Blvd. This is weather dependent, with the temperature not exceeding 85 degrees. 

cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a type of psychotherapy that is rooted in the understanding that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. This approach recognizes that the way we think about situations can influence how we feel and behave. By identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs, CBT helps individuals develop healthier ways of thinking and coping with life's challenges.

dialectical behavioral therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan and is rooted in the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It combines elements of cognitive therapy with mindfulness techniques to help individuals build resilience and effectively manage distressing emotions.

acceptance and commitment therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, is an evidence-based therapy rooted in the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices. ACT helps individuals develop psychological flexibility by learning to accept their thoughts and feelings, let go of unhelpful patterns of thinking, and commit to actions that align with their values and goals.

somatic experiencing

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapeutic approach designed to address and heal the effects of trauma on the body and mind. Developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine, SE recognizes that trauma is stored in the body's nervous system and can manifest as physical symptoms, emotional distress, and cognitive disruptions. The method focuses on restoring the body's natural ability to self-regulate by gently guiding individuals to pay attention to bodily sensations and rhythms.

psychodynamic therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy is a form of depth psychology that seeks to uncover the underlying factors driving thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Drawing on the work of pioneers such as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, psychodynamic therapy emphasizes the role of early childhood experiences, unconscious motivations, and interpersonal dynamics in shaping personality and mental health.