Therapeutic Approach

My counseling style focuses on a compassionate view of self while understanding why and how our brain functions. My main modalities of treatment are Compasison Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Feminist Therapy. These modalities  are used to help educate clients, teach helpful skills, and challenge learned assumptions that we make throughout our life. 

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

Compassion Focused Therapy is a theory that blends learning the context of our brains from an evolutionary and biological framework while also implementing self-compassion in order to neutralize feelings of guilt and shame that nautrally come from mental health difficulties. I believe that when we learn about why our brain functions the way it does then we have the power to know how to create the change that we need. 

What does this look like in session?

Using CFT in session means talking about what causes our brains to create patterns that cause anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. In most cases this is an evolutionary protective mechanism in order to prevent pain. I oftentimes discuss specifically how this is interwoven with what my clients talk about in session. For example, if someone is having social anxiety, I will describe why our brain is trying to send us signal that this situation is unsafe along with what we can do to let our brain know that it is safe. 

Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)

Solution Focused Therapy is a theory that focuses on identifying barriers to problems and then finding solutions that can help the client start making active change in their life

What does this look like in session? 

Using SFT in session means talking about the physical, emotional, mental barriers that are getting in the way of solving a problem; discussing all options for solving the problem; and finally, finding steps for the client to take towards the problem. Oftentimes these problems can't be solved linearly and require many baby steps to even start to get clarity on what change actually can look like. These conversations help clients understand what they can actually do to take action on their problems and gain the confidence to be able to find the solutions for themselves. 

Feminist Therapy

Feminist Therapy is a theory that focuses on identifying systems that are in place that limit clients or cause them additional distress. This theory does not just focus on women, it focuses on anyone who is oppressed in any way. I find this theory the most helpful when coping with distress with aspects that can't be changed. 

What does this look like in session?

Using Feminist Therapy in session means that I help to identify systemic barriers that might be preventing the client from meeting their goals or that is causing additional distress. For example, a trans-person might be experiencing distress leaving their house due to a fear of harassment. While we can't change the world in these sessions, we can call out the systems in place that have caused this environment and find ways for the client to feel as in control of their surroundings as possible, while accepting what they can't change. This can also be true for male clients who are experiencing toxic masculinity or pressures to act or be "male" in the context of society that is harming their mental health or view of themself. By identifying what systems are impacting them, then it can be easier to identify what can we control and how to cope with what we can't control.

Other therapeutic approaches I use in sessions: