My Approach
My approach is grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy, which research consistently shows helps people create meaningful change in a relatively short time-frame. I work from a values-based framework, helping you clarify what matters most to you and align your actions with those priorities. I draw from other evidence-based practices, including acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness meditation, habit-reversal therapy, biofeedback, and relaxation training, offering effective approaches, techniques, and tools based on your specific needs and goals. Therapy goals are set collaboratively and typically achieved within 10 - 16 sessions.
​Areas of Expertise
Aging-Related Concerns
Anger Management
Anxiety
College and Graduate Student Mental Health
Depression
Insomnia
Loss, Grief, Bereavement
Panic Attacks/Panic Disorder
Phobias/Fears
PTSD
Respiratory Disease (Asthma, COPD)
Skin Picking
Social Anxiety
Sports Psychology
Stress Management
Trichotillomania
Understanding Evidence-Based Psychotherapy
Evidence-based psychotherapy refers to psychological treatments that have been rigorously tested through scientific research and proven effective for specific mental health conditions. These therapies combine the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and your individual needs and preferences.
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What Makes a Therapy "Evidence-Based"?
A therapy is considered evidence-based when multiple high-quality research studies—typically randomized controlled trials—have demonstrated that it helps people improve their symptoms, function better in daily life, and maintain these gains over time. Common examples include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for depression and anxiety and Exposure Therapy for PTSD and phobias.
Potential Benefits
Evidence-based therapies offer you a treatment approach with a strong track record of success. You can feel more confident knowing that many people with similar concerns have found relief through this approach. These therapies typically have clear treatment goals and structured methods, which often means you'll know what to expect and can track your progress more easily. Many evidence-based treatments are also designed to work relatively quickly, helping you feel better in a reasonable timeframe.
Potential Limitations
While evidence-based therapies have strong research support, they may not work equally well for everyone. Research studies typically involve specific groups of people, and your individual circumstances might differ from those studied. Some evidence-based approaches are quite structured, which works well for many people but might feel restrictive if you prefer a more exploratory approach to therapy. Additionally, the therapeutic relationship—the connection between you and your therapist—is crucial to success, and this can be just as important as the specific method being used. A less structured therapy with a therapist you connect with deeply may sometimes be more helpful than a highly evidence-based approach with a therapist who isn't the right fit.
Making the Right Choice
The best therapy for you combines solid evidence with your personal preferences, cultural background, and specific situation. Your therapist should be willing to discuss why they're recommending a particular approach and how it might help with your specific concerns. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the treatment plan and to share what feels helpful or unhelpful as you progress.
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