Treatment
There are many types of therapy.
Understanding your options can help.
“All people at any given point in time are doing the best they can.”
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
In 2010, I was intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through Behavioral Tech and the Linehan Institute (https://behavioraltech.org), one of the leading training organizations for DBT. I helped to develop DBT programs, provided structured individual therapy, ran DBT skills groups for adolescents, young adults, and parents, offered phone coaching after hours, and met weekly with my DBT consultation team. I attended advanced-level DBT Trainings annually, learning from the best minds and had the opportunity to consult with some of the most respected DBT experts in the field.
DBT is an evidence-based treatment that was originally developed for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder by Marsha Linehan, PhD. Since its inception, research has shown that DBT is an effective treatment approach for depression, mood disorders, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. Used in combination with Prolonged Exposure, it can also treat PTSD. DBT is grounded in mindfulness and the development of skills. This behaviorally-based treatment approach can enhance emotion regulation capabilities, increase behavioral control, reduce impulsivity, enhance relationships, and improve the overall quality of your life. Research shows that DBT is one of the most effective models of treatment for reducing and eliminating non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behaviors.
Borderline Personality disorder
Emotional sensitivity/vulnerability, difficulty regulating emotions, impulsivity, difficulty in interpersonal relationships, chronic destructive thought patterns, self-injury, chronic suicidal ideation, loneliness, anxiety, depression and irritability are all symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). A DBT-informed approach in addition to DBT skills training may help to reduce symptoms and difficulties. I often work with individuals who have completed a comprehensive DBT program and wish to continue with a therapist who is knowledgable and skilled in delivering DBT from an informed perspective.
If you are experiencing persistent and severe symptoms, there are treatment programs that specialize in providing Comprehensive and Adherent Dialectical Behavior Therapy which may be the right fit for beginning treatment. We can discuss treatment needs during a free 15 minute phone consultation.
Prolonged Exposure
I am certified in Prolonged Exposure (PE), an evidence-based treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While not everyone who suffers a major trauma goes on to develop PTSD, research shows that those who do, significantly benefit from treatment. Due to PTSD’s debilitating and life-altering effects, it can also cause depression and feelings of hopelessness. The good news is, PTSD can be treated. Prolonged Exposure is short-term therapy that can eliminate PTSD symptoms and help you heal from major traumas.
Exposure and Response Prevention
Exposure and Ritual/Response Prevention (ExRP) is an evidence-based treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Sometimes OCD can go undiagnosed due to common misconceptions. OCD appears in many different forms, but has the common components of obsessions and compulsions that are present regardless of its manifestation. Obsessions are intrusive and disturbing thoughts and compulsions are either physical or mental actions that follow an obsession and serve to relieve distress. Sometimes the symptoms interfere with the ability to complete daily tasks, connect with important people, and cause changes in mood. ERP is a time-limited treatment approach that can eliminate the symptoms and provide lasting relief.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that can address many symptoms and diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
A depressed mood or frequent changes in mood can make everyday life responsibilities much more difficult to manage. Learning how to reduce the impact and frequency of mood changes can help you achieve and maintain the life you want.
Anxiety can be more generalized to everyday experiences and situations or can be more specific including the development of panic or phobias. Making the decision to treat anxiety can be hard—facing your fears is uncomfortable! However, the benefits often outweigh the risk of discomfort and lead to more freedom to pursue what matters to you most in your life.
Major life events can include divorce/separation, marriage, a new baby, a teenager moving on to college life or out of the home, changes in job or financial status, a new relationship, a recent move, the loss of a loved one, a major health issue, or an accident. Any one of these can lead to a more chronic increase in stress, and sometimes more than one stressful life event is happening at once. Experiencing a decrease in your ability to access effective coping skills can be a common reaction. Seeking therapy to assist with building your capacity to manage these changes can help feelings of competence and self-efficacy to return.
Tailoring Treatment to You
It’s important to me that you experience a collaborative approach to treatment. To do this, I develop a plan for treatment alongside my clients after taking the time to explore their individual and family histories, current problems, and specific goals. I provide information about treatment options and we talk about progress throughout the course of therapy.