Treatment

Finding a therapist is a daunting task, even for those who work in mental health. Effective treatment must be designed to meet the needs of the individual patient. While I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I also use elements of other theoretical orientations to ensure that best outcomes and fit for my patients.  In addition, I have been trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) by the EMDR Institute. EMDR can provide an effective treatment synergy with CBT, especially for patients with trauma histories. My goal is to help you navigate, effectively manage and problem-solve your stressors so that you may feel more hopeful, happier and in control of your life. I will also try to help you reach your potential.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

I use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) - an active, skills-based approach that is empirically validated as one of the most effective treatments for anxiety and depression. CBT focuses on how negative thinking impacts your emotions and behavior. CBT is collaborative. We will work together to identify goals for treatment and your specific and automatic negative thoughts as well as negative core beliefs that affect your mood. We will also identify any maladaptive behaviors you may be engaging in that are possibly maintaining or worsening your mood. Ultimately, you will learn new skills and strategies that will allow you to change these unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, and replace them with more positive, accurate, and balanced ones.

Other Empirically-Supported Treatments

I am a strong believer in the benefits of Mindfulness practice developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn of the University of Massachusetts and incorporate Mindfulness practice with all of my patients. I also often use elements of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan of the University of Washington, in my sessions to help patients with trauma histories, emotion regulation and distress-tolerance issues, as well as relationship difficulties. There may be times I utilize aspects of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to help patients with trauma issues and difficult life situations.

With EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, I can help patients with trauma histories as well as other mental health issues. Created by Dr. Francine Shapiro, who founded the EMDR Institute, I have found that EMDR has an effective and relevant synergy with CBT.

What therapy can offer you:

  • Skills, tools, and strategies to help you overcome problematic anxiety, depression and stress.

  • Learn specifically what contributes to your mood and stress.

  • Gain a better understanding of yourself and your personal values and goals.

  • Learn how to assert your needs and set boundaries with others.

  • Problem-solving to help manage stressors and difficult life situations.

  • Help you deal with past and present traumatic experiences.

  • A therapist who will listen, be supportive, and provide an objective perspective.

Couples Therapy

I do offer couples therapy for both gay and straight couples. I use a combination of the Gottman Techique, CBT, and problem-solving techniques to help couples improve their relationships.

Confidentiality

In general, the law and HIPAA protects the confidentiality of all communications between a patient and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed with prior written permission from the patient. However, there are some exceptions required by law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of California. These include:

  • Suspected child, dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is mandated to report any suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities immediately.

  • If a patient intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not voluntarily cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken immediately, including involuntary hospitalization.

  • If the patient is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police and the threatened individual(s) immediately.

  • If a patient makes threats against the President of the United States. the therapist is required to contact the Secret Service and law enforcement.

Disorders I treat

  • Generalized anxiety

  • Social anxiety

  • Phobias

  • PTSD

  • Adjustment Disorders

  • Depression

  • Relational difficulties

  • Trauma

  • Social support and work stressors

  • Substance-Related Disorders in conjunction with structured treatments such as AA/NA

Who I Don't Treat

As many on the following disorders/behaviors often require a clinical team and medication, I do not treat patients with the following:

  • All Personality Disorders (including Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Histrionic Personality Disorder)

  • Patients who are acutely and actively suicidal or self-harming.

  • Patients who are actively using substances and are impaired during treatment.

  • Bipolar Disorders

  • Psychotic Disorders including Schizophrenia

  • Eating Disorders

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCD)

  • Dementia

  • Impulse-Control Disorders

I also do not treat children or families. These patients require clinicians with different training and specialties.