Treatment Mode/Style

I take a “Do Whatever It Takes” approach to therapy.

I often refer to myself as eclectic.

The privilege of having completed both Clinical Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapy training has inspired me to develop a somewhat fluid perspective on what works in therapy.

I’m blessed with an extraordinary opportunity for creative out-of-the-box thinking, as I purposefully work to take the best of what I know and craft an individualized approach to meet the personality, preferences, and needs of each client. 

Nonetheless, there are some recurrent themes prevalent in my therapy process.

My approach is extremely systemic.

Family Systems Therapy relies heavily on relationships and connections to identify problems and solutions in families.

I inherently see the world as a myriad of connections, so “systems” thinking resonated with me from the first moment it was introduced. Upon beginning my Marriage and Family Therapy program, I was exhilarated to (1) have a whole field of study telling me I was right all along and (2) expand upon my thinking to learn ways to apply my instincts – or sometimes to not apply my instincts – to solving people’s problems.

Behavioral therapy is a natural fit.

I grew up in a world of young children, and the basic behavioral concepts of rewards, consequences, and consistency are second nature to me.

It was easy to build on my pre-existing beliefs and experiences as I developed skills in the area of behavioral therapy.

This has prepared me to help others use behavioral principles to bring about needed behavioral change in themselves and those around them.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another go-to for me.

CBT appeals rationally to promote recognition of unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so they can be changed.

When it works, problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be replaced by healthier, more productive ones.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a modified version of CBT that is more structured and usually takes more time. DBT starts with emotion management skills in preparation for delving into the situations that underly the extreme emotions and behaviors that led to therapy.

Cognitive approaches are suitable for most clients and have a strong track record for success.

Then…

Add to any of these a strong leaning toward the positivity of Strengths-Based, Solution-Focused strategies, and you’ll have a good idea of where we’re likely to end up with our therapy work.

My faith makes me a better therapist.

Though I have not been formally educated through seminary or any comparable college experience, I’m well-rooted in Biblical teachings. I pattern my ideal of service after the example set by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. By that, I mean that I aspire to treat everyone I know, serve, or meet with the acceptance, kindness, and understanding demonstrated by Jesus.

My faith in God is deep, and it is through my faith that I find the strength and courage to help you face any fear, pain, or loss you may have to deal with.

There’s no expectation that you share my Christian beliefs. But it seems important to let you know that my Christianity empowers me to be a better therapist and a better human than I would be otherwise.

Success depends on discovering the tool that fits.

In addition to the above-noted modalities, I’ve had training in Psychodynamic Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Structural Family Systems, Psychoanalytic Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and the list goes on.

However, the purpose of therapy is to be helpful, to produce positive results, so my only absolute rule is to “use what works.” What works for one problem or person may not work for another.

It’s common for me to switch from one modality to another as the focus of therapy changes. It’s also good to try something different when there is a prolonged period without change.

My primary goal is to help the client.

I love what I do, and I’m good at it. Part of being good at it is paying attention to you, your desired outcomes, and our progress toward those outcomes.

I endeavor to use whatever kind of therapy modality, process, technique, or strategy that makes your therapy experience interesting, effective, and memorable.

I believe this is the key to achieving lasting change.

Any questions?

If you want to learn more about my therapy style, I’ll be happy to schedule a telephone consultation to answer any questions you may have.