A Glimpse into My Therapeutic Approach
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
As a psychologist specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy, I am here to help you navigate the complexities of anxiety and depression. CBT is the first-line treatment for mood and behavior-related problems like depression and anxiety. It is a structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. I work in collaboration with my clients, guiding each individual through their unique journey toward improved mental health and emotional resilience. Let's work together to equip you with the skills you need to create lasting change in your life
Depression
As a dedicated psychologist, I focus on helping individuals navigate their struggles with depression through cognitive behavioral therapy. Depression is not just a feeling; it’s an experience that can cloud one's judgment and joy. Severity can range from a mildly negative mood or somewhat excessive irritability to sever sadness, lack of motivation and difficulty to enjoy life. My approach involves fostering a therapeutic relationship where we can identify the triggers and symptoms of your depression and transforming them. Together, we will work toward creating a personalized plan to help you regain control over your life. I have powerful tools and strategies and I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Anxiety
Understanding anxiety is the first step towards overcoming it. Anxiety can feel rather overwhelming and difficult to endure. It leads to an avoidant behavior that paradoxically gives legitimacy for our anxiety to grow, ”What we resist persist”. People who struggle with anxiety get stuck in a cycle of avoidant behavior that makes their anxiety worse. As a CBT specialist, I provide treatment tailored to your unique experiences to help you untangle those feelings. Through our sessions, you’ll gain insight into your anxiety and learn practical tools to manage it.
Anxiety-related conditions include panic attacks, phobias, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), social anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and more. When anxiety symptoms interfere with daily life, it is important to get help and work on skills that would help you live anxiety free.
Trauma & Prolonged Exposure
Trauma is a profound experience that can affect every aspect of your life. It can cause significant emotional pain and bring up feelings of guilt and regret.
As a CBT specialist, I offer tools and support tailored to your needs, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the impact trauma can have on mental and emotional well-being.
Together, we can create a customized plan to foster healing and build a brighter future.
Prolonged Exposure (PE) is an evidence-based treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It helps in the process of resolving the trauma and reduce trauma-related emotional and psychological effects. Prolonged Exposure for PTSD (Youtube)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Understanding OCD is crucial for managing its impact on yours or your loved one’s life. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition where a person experiences intrusive, unwelcome, and distressing reoccurring thoughts (obsessions). It affects both adults and children and can be debilitating and time-consuming. The repetitive effort to end the distress leads to ritualistic behavior, also known as compulsions. At times, the effort to end the distress is mental and can be mistaken for a state of no-compulsion, also known as “Pure O”. As a specialist in the field, I use Exposure Response Prevention (ERP, or EX/RP) as a main approach when treating OCD. They key to success in ERP is finding the right amount of exposure and gradually increase it over the course of treatment. Clients learn to resist the urge to gratify the demands of OCD and as a result they ‘habituate’, ending both obsessions and compulsions. Selective Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) can also reduce OCD symptoms and is sometimes used in conjunction with ERP. (SSRIs' are prescribed medication that could be provided by your primary physician or psychiatrist).
PANDAS is a Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder associated with Streptococcal Infection in children (even when Asymptomatic). It is characterized by a sudden flair of OCD symptoms and/or a sudden flair of Tics. PANDAS symptoms best treated with anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by the child's pediatrician.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Experience the profound difference that ERP therapy can make in your life. Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) is a treatment of choice for various anxiety-related disorders and the first line treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). How does ERP work? Think of exposure as the medicine for your anxiety. The right dose would be critical in order for it to be effective. Too much exposure can be overwhelming and discouraging, while too little won’t make sufficient dent in your progress. As an ERP specialist, I work with you to customize your exposure and optimize treatment success. Like other meds, exposure needs to be practiced daily until symptoms go away. With my expertise, you will uncover your confidence and resilience and will break free from the cycle of anxiety.
Child and Adolescent Therapy
As a psychologist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children, I provide tailored support to help young minds navigate their emotions and challenges. Just like adults, children are also affected by anxiety and depression. A depressed or anxious child may act irritable, struggle with low self-esteem, and face excessive worry or shyness. My approach focuses on creating a safe environment where children can express themselves and learn effective coping strategies. A healthy parent-child bond is another important piece in children's mental health. I, therefore, incorporate the SPACE modality (Supporting Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) and provide skill training and psychoeducation for parents as vital part of the treatment plan.
SPACE
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), is an evidence-based treatment modality that addresses a variety of anxiety disorders in children and young adults. The treatment was initially developed for children with anxiety who refuse to partake in treatment and is done though the parents. SPACE examines the family members role and the effect it has on the child’s treated condition. It is evident that excessive support tends to sustain a maladaptive behavior. In such a case, treatment would include learning to support the child in a way that meets their developmental needs while fostering their ability to cope independently and efficiently. The high success rate evident by the SPACE modality has been very encouraging and the treatment has been employed in cases of children struggling with anxiety, depression, ARFID (Avoidant/Restricted Food Intake Disorder), as well as with adults’ children failing to launch.
what is SPACE treatment? (Youtube)
Breaking Free of Anxiety - A Journey Through SPACE (Youtube)
