Clinical Approach

I believe successful treatment is based on a warm, supportive, collaborative, and non-judgmental
therapeutic environment, in which the client can comfortably explore issues and experience a good
connection with the therapist. Since I am trained in different modalities (including insight
oriented/psychodynamic psychotherapy, ACT, CBT, DBT, IPT), I am able to tailor my clinical approach to each
individual’s needs and goals and work integratively.

Research and clinical evidence have shown that psychotherapy can be beneficial in treating many
conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and trauma. Because clients
learn new skills, make meaningful life changes, or heal from their past ailments during the course of
treatment, the gains made by individuals in psychotherapy are often maintained for many years.

In my personal clinical experience, I have found that psychotherapy facilitates personal growth and healing
for many individuals. Clients gain better self knowledge and self confidence, communicate and assert
themselves more effectively, become more aware of their needs and learn to replace old and Ineffective
ways of coping by healthier ones. Clients make better choices for themselves and become less “stuck” and
paralyzed. Some will make career changes; others will find more suitable partners, and many learn to live
lives that are more meaningful, satisfying, and more consistent with their core values. I find that many of my
patients who previously had failed relationships, were able to form meaningful and long-term relationships
as a result of treatment.

Psychotherapy can be either short-term or long–term. Some individuals want to focus on a specific issue or
target specific symptoms and may need coaching through that specific issue. Others may want to work
through more complex life issues in order to attain a better understanding of themselves or to achieve their
desired goals.

Specific Goals of Psychotherapy

• Reduce symptoms of mental illness and learn to manage symptoms in an effective way
• Develop effective coping skills and learn to adjust to difficult life situation
• Become more aware of yourself, your motivations, your emotions, and your coping and behaviors
• Understand yourself better, and learn to accept yourself
• Build higher self-esteem
• Understand patterns of behaviors and changing maladaptive patterns
• Understand relationship patterns (e.g. choices of friends/significant others) and make more suitable choices
• Working through traumatic experiences
• Recognize patterns of avoidance and fully engage in your life
• Working through career change and other life changes and transitions

You may also have other goals, and we would work together on a treatment plan that addresses these goals.

Psychotherapy and Medications

For many individuals, clinical symptoms render day to day functioning too painful or debilitating either on a temporary or long term basis. Research has shown that, for many individuals with such debilitating symptoms, a combination of medications plus psychotherapy works best. While I do not prescribe
medications, I have a network of psychiatrists with whom I collaborate, and to whom I refer my clients, if needed. If you already receive medications from a psychiatrist or physician, I will gladly collaborate with him or her.