I work with people on a broad range of concerns, including: relationship difficulties, grief and loss, eating disturbances, compulsions, addiction and recovery, identity concerns, blocked emotions and family of origin issues. Below are some specific areas of my interest and specialization:
Creative Development
I specialize in working with artists and anyone interested in living a creative life or growing in their creative process. I have had success in helping people work through issues of self-criticism, depression and anxiety, to find direction and support for their artistry, ingenuity or creative vision.
Often creative people struggle with how to foster a nourishing creative life. Many things can get in the way, such as, financial worries, self-doubt, depression, existential woes, motivational problems, unstable relationships, addiction, insomnia, not feeling worthy, not feeling important and not feeling capable.
I work with people to help them get in touch with what is holding them back internally and externally. Through a process of developing a deeper connection to the self, creative people can become more in touch with the artistic energy we all hold within, and have the chance develop their artistic identity.
Eating Disorders/Self-Esteem/Body Image Issues
I am particularly interested and experienced in working with teen, and adult women who struggle with disordered eating, body image disturbance and low self esteem. I find it important to create a safe relationship where people feel understood and are encouraged to develop a balanced, robust and honest relationship with themselves. I value the opportunity to see women emerge from their process with a stronger, more stable sense of self. When working with disordered eating, I consider psychoanalytic thought, attachment theory and CBT. I use an eclectic approach based on current research and what is likely to be most helpful to each person, given current circumstances, history and personality.
Depression
I specialize in working with people suffering from depression. The experience of feeling numb or feeling in extreme despair can be extremely difficult and lonely. The following are some signs of depression. If you recognize yourself in these symptoms, it may be a good idea to seek out therapy:
- Frequent crying and overwhelming feelings of sadness.
- Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
- Changes in sleep such as excessive sleeping or the inability to sleep.
- Difficulty enjoying previously-enjoyed activities.
- Unexplained physical ailments such as headaches or muscle pain.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Changes in weight or eating habits.
- Thoughts of suicide.
I hold the depressive state with curiosity and without judgment, in an effort to understand and heal the source of the depression. I use a combination of mindfulness based cognitive therapy and psychodynamic theory as my basis for treatment.