Whether a specific mental health diagnosis, neurodiversity, or another concern, these are some of the key areas of focus that I work with regularly in my practice in no particular order:
ADHD
I consider ADHD a neurodiversity (brain difference) more than a disorder or disease. Understanding how to embrace this difference and to manage the challenges that come with it are essential to living a satisfying life with ADHD. My professional experience working alongside and in consultation with medication prescribers is an important part of my background related to ADHD. While I do not give medication-management advice to clients, it is often helpful to know what questions you might ask your doctor regarding medication options and expectations related to medical treatment of ADHD. Many clients are tired of taking medication and want to emphasize behavioral approaches while others may be considering the recognized benefits of psychotherapy in conjunction with closely monitored medication from their prescriber. ADHD is not something to be fixed. Individually tailored treatment approaches always include the overall goal of helping you manage as well as harness the unique ways your brain works with this neurodiversity.
AUTISM SPECTRUM (ASD)
One of my favorite quotes from the autism spectrum community is, "If you have met one person on the autism spectrum, then you have met one person on the autism spectrum." ASD, as much as any other behavioral health diagnosis, has helped to increase our understanding of neurodiversity. While I do not typically work with non-verbal or low adaptive functioning individuals with ASD, I do have extensive experience with children and self-sufficient adults who are on the spectrum. Social communication strategies, emotional regulation skills, understanding interpersonal experience, and managing wellness needs are all important aspects of the work I do with anyone who may be on the spectrum.
DEPRESSION
Depression is one of the most widespread challenges we face in the 21st century. The causes and impacts of depression have been researched extensively, and we have found that there are multiple types of depression (psychological, existential, situational, biological) which respond well to multiple modes of treatment. I tend to favor a multimodal approach which means finding the right number and types of interventions that are tailored to individual needs and situations. If you are simultaneously experiencing anhedonia (inability to enjoy typically pleasurable activities), difficulty imagining a hopeful future for yourself, and any form of suicidal ideation (non-existence thoughts), it is a good idea to seek professional help. Depression is one of the most treatable mental health concerns, so there is no need to suffer in silence.
ANXIETY DISORDERS
It is important to remember that everyone "has anxiety". If a bear was chasing us, anxiety is what drives us to find safety. Anxiety is not something to get rid of, but something that is important to learn how to manage. Anxiety takes on many forms (e.g. OCD vs generalized anxiety vs specific phobias) and can interfere significantly with our functioning and cause a lot of distress. One important rule of learning how to manage disordered anxiety is that we must be willing to experience at least some anxiety. Understanding mind-body interaction is an important part of any effort to improve anxiey management.
MOOD DISORDERS
Mood disorders often may need more consistent treatment over longer periods of time. Serious mood disorders respond best to consistent counseling contact along with medication management from a qualified prescriber. Many individuals are able to find stability and function well with the correct combination of treatments. Therapy is often an important part of consistent self-care when managing mood disorders.
TRAUMA
Trauma is deeply personal and is at the root of many behavioral health diagnoses (PTSD, disordered personalities, mood disorders, complicated grief, depression, anxiety disorders, etc.). I believe in generational cycles of trauma. I also consider adults who are actively working to heal and stop the cycle of generational trauma some of the most heroic individuals I have ever met. This type of work is often difficult but it is never too late to begin the healing process. While I do not offer manualized approaches at this time (e.g. EMDR, CPT, PE), I do work from a trauma-informed perspective and typically use narrative approaches alongside instruction in somatic techniques. It doesn't matter if one considers their trauma to be "big T" or "little t", guiding mind and body of the Self back to a felt-sense of safety and at-easeness is a very individualized process where clients are free to choose the pace and intensity of the work.
ISSUES OF CHILDHOOD CONCERN
I have over 25 years of experience working with children and adolescents. Growing up in the digital age has created new challenges for all of us on top of the typical challenges that may need some type of support or intervention outside the home. Parent-Child relationships are special, incredibly important, and always imperfect. If you feel your child or adolescent is experiencing distress and/or diminished functioning at home, at school, or across multiple environments, then seeking consultation from a professional can be a great help. There is no cookie-cutter approach to helping children overcome and thrive. I view children as active participants in their own daily existence, not as future adults waiting for their lives to begin. Maintaining a growth/development perspective is important. While I typically do not work with children below age 6, I am happy to provide parent coaching for motivated and open-minded caregivers.
RELATIONSHIPS
While I do occasionally offer couples counseling, I consider relationships with others an essential part of the human experience that impacts every client. I use a collection of gold standard approaches (e.g. Gottman's research, communication coaching, intimacy coaching, etc.) and customized strategies for understanding one's role in relationship challenges and how to actively repair and strengthen the foundation upon which relationships are based. The human species does not do well in isolation. We need connection with others as much as we need to find validation within ourselves. Even the most healthy and connected relationships can be complicated at times. Getting help in this area can greatly increase satisfaction in life.