As a Marriage & Family Therapist, I am trained in a variety of therapeutic models. I use techniques and philosophies from several models as I develop what will be most beneficial for your specific needs. Regardless of the model, it is applied with Systemic Theory in mind. Systems Theory takes in to account that we do not live in a bubble. Simply put, a variety of approaches can be utilized because at the core of those models is that we are affected by and connected to our environment. We are affected by where we live, who we live with, who lives around us, and how safe our environment is. The resources we have access to influences how we cope and adapt to our environment. Using Systemic Theory as the foundation of my approach allows me to tailor my approach to each individual, couple or family’s needs while maintaining an awareness of the influences that others and the surrounding environment play on an individual, couple or family.

A question that is often posed in the therapeutic world is “What model of therapy or approach is most effective?” Research on the topic has found that no approach is more effective than another. What is often the catalyst for change in therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client. A therapist’s ability to earn a client’s trust, to understand a client’s struggles, and to guide the client effectively to resolutions to those struggles is what matters most.

Today, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered the ideal model of treatment. It is an evidenced based practice in that research has shown that it is an effective form of treatment. For that reason, many doctors and insurance companies encourage their customers to seek a CBT therapist. In my humble opinion, ALL models of therapy can fit the definition of CBT. The essence of therapy is for people to change their thinking and behavior; therefore, any model of therapy is a CBT approach. What this does not account for is the plethora of effective interventions that come from other models of therapy such as Client Centered, Internal Family Systems, Contextual, Strategic, and Neurolinguistic Programming to name a few.

My approach is consistent regardless of who I am working with. I do not see my role as one of taking sides. I am there to take the side of relationships and the goals that you identify from our first session and over the course of work together. If your thoughts and/or actions are counterproductive to your goals or your relationship, I will bring it to your attention. Sometimes I will be very direct. Other times I may guide you to realizing the underlying causes of what you are addressing in therapy. If you would like to know what specific models I utilize, I am more than happy to share and explain them. Often I find that models do not really matter to people, which is why I do not advertise myself as practicing one particular model of therapy. Each person’s situation and experiences are unique and my overall approach demonstrates that my approach to therapy is that it be tailored for each person’s needs.