Individual Therapy
Making the decision to break down the barriers that stand in the way of one's unhappiness is unsettling. Change is hard. With that in mind, I use a gentle, supportive approach and provide an environment where you can feel safe. My goal is to provide a welcoming space where trust is built and a therapeutic alliance is cultivated. Together we will understand what you are experiencing and you will feel empowered to discover your own strengths and be ready to make effective change.
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I have helped many of my clients explore the ways that their early relationships with primary caregivers (usually parents) influence or shape their current relationship patterns. In a mutual supportive process, I encourage my clients to examine their own attachment styles (patterns of relating to others) which can help foster improved physical and emotional connections as well as an overall sense of well being.
Other times I find that clients benefit from exploring how their thought patterns, feelings and behaviors all influence each other. We then use that knowledge to challenge distorted thinking patterns that may be a breeding ground for anxious thoughts. With therapeutic interventions, it is possible to identify, challenge and reshape these patterns, thereby alleviating the grip of anxiety and paving the way for a more balanced and constructive approach to managing anxiety.
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I believe that each person's journey toward change is unique so we will personalize an approach that works best for you.
Betrayal Trauma Recovery
Betrayal trauma is a type of psychological trauma that can occur after experiencing a betrayal by a person you trust. It can follow a single incident of infidelity, repeated affairs, or the devastating discovery that your partner has been engaging in compulsive sexual behaviors. With this traumatic discovery, attention is frequently focused on the recovery of the sex addict, leaving the partner to feel more alone, isolated, confused, and even wondering if they are part of the problem. Because of the complex nature of this sort of trauma, it is crucial that you, the hurting partner, take your own separate journey to recovery under the care of a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT).
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With special training in partner betrayal trauma through the Institute for Trauma and Addiction recovery, I can help you to heal from this heart wrenching discovery. There is a lot we can do together to navigate through the maze of emotions you are experiencing . We will work together to manage the crisis, set boundaries, develop a plan to help you regain your sense of safety and make empowered choices. As an adjunct to our sessions, I may offer assignments, readings, and referrals to appropriate outside resources.
I am committed to providing you with a safe space where you will feel seen, heard, and validated throughout your healing journey. Read more about Betrayal Trauma.
Couples Therapy
As an experienced couples therapist I have helped many couples in their journey to understand their relationship dynamics, restore trust, and deepen their connection and intimacy. Often when working with couples we discover that it is not the presenting conflict at the core of the discord, but rather the unmet need for closeness. By creating a safe environment, I encourage couples to initially de-escalate their emotional reactivity and distress and slowly cultivate a relationship that allows them to share their vulnerabilities, provide comfort for each other, and serve as a secure attachment to one another.
If betrayal has occurred, much work needs to be done to restore trust in the relationship. You may be ready to begin the work of repairing the relationship. Rebuilding trust and intimacy in your relationship is a challenging process in the face of what you have experienced. Grieving the relationship you thought you had, addressing anger and underlying roots, managing triggers, developing tools to communicate with compassion and empathy and learning to have healthier attachment bonds are just a few things I can help you with. Many couples do make the decision to do the work necessary to restore the relationship and find that with the help of a couples therapist they can experience a tremendous amount of post traumatic growth and a new found respect and love for each other.
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