Understanding Mental Health

Emotional well being, psychological well being, and social well being are all dimensions of mental health, and subject to change under stress. Mental health issues are rarely the result of one event, rather, they often develop over time as the result of linked causes. For example a stressful job, a difficult relationship, or a significant trauma can cause shifts in thinking, feeling, and mood that, in turn, color our perceptions, tax our energy levels, impact our ability to function productively, and challenge our ability connect with others.

Part of my commitment to helping my clients is ensuring we are pursuing a path of happiness, health and wellbeing. Oftentimes, clients begin this process at a difficult and painful point in their lives. They are turning to therapy because they have already reached a stage where they feel overwhelmed, scared, angry, or disconnected. I help clients peel back the layers of emotional pain, which can result from a myriad of experiences. Because I take a holistic approach to therapy we will explore a variety of different practices to generate a completely personalized experience.

Together, we will explore practices aimed at guiding you inward to release pain, anger, and other difficult emotions, and at moving you forward armed with practical tools and methods for dealing with life’s crises and transitions. My training in conventional psychotherapy, integrative medicine, and mindbody practices such as mindfulness, yoga and yoga therapy, breathing practices, coaching, and healing touch, is extensive. I have a broad variety of resources and nearly 20 years of experience from which to draw in serving my clients, assisting them in easing their suffering, helping them heal, reconnecting with their truest selves and their loved ones, and thriving in their lives.

My expertise includes treatment of:

• Mood disorders
• Depression & Bipolar Disorders
• Anxiety & Obsessive/Compulsive behavior
• Long-term effects of trauma, including childhood neglect, physical and sexual abuse and PTSD
• Relationship & Couples Counseling, including pre-marital
• Family systems issues, including divorce, re-marriage, blended families and parenting concerns, special needs children
• Issues with the “sandwich” generation, supporting those struggling to both raise children and care for aging parents
• Navigating major life transitions
• Loss and Grief
• Substance dependence and abuse, and other compulsive behaviors
• Coping with somatic issues and critical physical conditions such as chronic pain, cancer, arthritis and other medical conditions

My clients include:

• Adults
• Children, teens, and pre-teens
• Families
• Couples—both together and individually