What is your therapeutic approach?

As a Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern, I am equipped to help individuals, children, families, couples, and groups with a variety of disorders of an emotional, psychological and spiritual nature.  I will employ a variety of therapeutic techniques, specifically affective (feeling), behavioral (doing), and cognitive (thinking) to help you achieve your personal counseling goals. 

METHODOLOGIES

The counseling methodologies used come from cognitive “talk” therapy, solution-focused therapy, behavioral therapy, and marital and family systems therapy.  I primarily use a solutions-focused, strengths-based orientation with my counseling clients.  Solutions-focused means that the counselor/client relationship is based on identifying solutions to cope with and work through a specific client concern or area or unresolved emotional distress. A strengths-based approach helps clients to recognize and utilize their personal strengths and relational style, building on what is natural and empowering for them.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING

I am trained and authorized to administer Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) assessments and interpret customized reports. MBTI® is an effective tool for increased insight and perspective and is a useful tool to accelerate progress in counseling and/or career coaching.

For clients with Stress/Anxiety, in addition to talk therapy, I am trained to employ Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), sometimes referred to as “tapping”.  This self-help technique was developed by Gary Craig with the objective of helping individuals replace their negative thoughts and emotions with positive ones, thus leading to a greater sense of empowerment and behavioral change.

Having completed certifications for Level I and Level II training, I am able to administer and interpret Gottman Method of Marital Therapy assessments for use in couples work or to introduce specific techniques to help individuals shift their own patterns of behavior in a relationship.  For more information, see Marital Strain.

In addition to receiving specialized training in disordered eating/eating disorders, I am a member of the Austin Eating Disorder Specialists and a program therapist at Cedar Springs Eating Disorder Treatment Center.

SPIRITUALITY

For clients who prefer to approach counseling from an integration of theology and psychology, I am able to integrate the use of faith-based interventions.  However, I will not impose my beliefs on my clients and am capable and willing to approach presented problems without the use of faith based interventions. 

MEDICATION

Although I am not professionally licensed to prescribe psychotropic medications in conjunction with counseling therapy, I will gladly support you in finding a psychiatrist or medical professional if medication is needed.