Services
Practicing clinical psychology effectively means meeting the patient where they are. In terms of my theoretical practice domain, I have discovered that the orientation within which I feel most confident conceptualizing individual cases is cognitive-behavioral (CBT). This empirically supported framework makes sense to me in the context of both human thought and behavior, and informs most of my therapeutic decisions. However, the difficulty posed by identifying with this primary orientation is the idea that a one-size-fits-all approach can effectively apply to all clients. I am familiar with a number of therapeutic styles and see wisdom in many of their theories. As such, I seek to borrow what is best based on theory and research, tailored to the needs of the client.
I integrate the following clinical treatment orientations:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
- Dialectical (DBT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Existential
- Family / Marital
- Humanistic
- Interpersonal
- Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Solution Focused Brief Therapy
- Psychological Testing and Evaluation
Treating the Whole Person
There are close and scientifically-proven relationships between many aspects of our physical world and our psychological wellbeing. Your body's physical health, chemistry, and strength will all impact your mental health, and any comprehensive discussion of a person's psychology should include the many facets that may influence it. These are a few of the many things we may talk about:
Nutrition
The nutrients (such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, magnesium, and many more) that you receive from consuming healthy foods (and some supplements) have been shown to aid in the treatment of many of the most common mental health disorders. A Western diet, on the contrary, is associated with a much higher prevalence of mental health disorders.
Exercise
Maintaining a pattern of regular aerobic and anaerobic exercise has been demonstrated to improve a variety of mental health conditions. Among the countless benefits are increases in attention, confidence, motivation, and energy, complimented by decreases in depression, anxiety, blood pressure, obesity, and forgetfulness.
Sleep
It is important to establish proper sleep/wake cycles that are maintained seven days a week. Insomnia is associated with many mental health conditions and can end up creating a circular pattern of mental health issues; as sleep decreases, symptoms such as inattention, agitation, depression, and anxiety can increase, which eventually make regular restful sleep even harder to achieve.
Psychiatry
Psychiatry and psychology share a long history. Today, psychologists and psychiatrists often collaborate because of the growing body of research demonstrating that the greatest improvements for some mental health conditions come from a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.