Therapy

Therapy helps identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional distress; seeks to improve communication and coping skills; strengthens resiliency; and promotes positive behavioral change.  Once rapport is established, I utilize a cognitive-behavioral therapy approach to identify the thoughts that trigger our emotions.  Cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT) are particularly helpful for older children and adolescents. 

Whenever possible, TEAM CBT approach and techniques are integrated into therapy session.  TEAM stands for:  Testing, Empathy, Agenda setting, and Methods.  The 'Testing' portion involves completing questionnaires that assess mood and other symptoms at the beginning and end of every session.  This helps measure the therapist's success as well as client progress. The 'Empathy' portion is essential in therapy, as it is important that clients feel comfortable talking openly and knowing that they will be accepted, valued, understood, and respected.  The 'Agenda' portion of counseling is to identify a connection and clear sense of the change that is desired.  Sometimes there are hidden advantages to symptoms, and so agenda setting helps identify the pros/cons of change and to sort out motivation to change.  The 'Methods' phase of therapy are the specific techniques--including therapy homework--to help sort through depression, anxiety, habits, addictions, and relationship problems.  

I can provide direct counseling to children ages 8 and older and incorporate parent/family sessions as appropriate.