ABOUT MY PRACTICE

My general approach to treatment is cognitive-behavioral. This means we focus on behavioral patterns and thought processes that can interfere with a happy, fulfilled life. While I am sensitive to a client's past, which contributes to who she or he is today, the central focus in treatment is to address current issues. I make every effort to adapt treatment to complement a client's personality, self-knowledge, skill set and comfort level. For some clients the work is focused almost entirely on providing practical help, while for other clients the therapy may be more about providing support and enhancing self-esteem.

Initial session(s)

We discuss why the client seeks therapy now, specific issues of concern, and any pertinent history important to my understanding of a client's needs. Such history might include prior therapy, medical and medication history, interpersonal, educational, or occupational concerns linked to the presenting problem. I want to understand a client's coping style, strengths and motivating factors in his or her life.

There is an optional 'history/background' form to complete before coming to the first session. Please bring copies of reports or evaluations that you think would be helpful to the first session. Even better, you might email or fax copies before our first appointment.

Since being comfortable with a therapist is an important part of successful treatment, the first session is a good time to evaluate whether there is a good fit between client and therapist.

How I help

Clients often report feeling less overwhelmed after they see me. I help clients quantify, prioritize and, in turn, simplify the problems they face. Burdens can be reduced by using one strategy (for a category of problems), normalizing a concern, or placing a problem 'on the back burner' because it is not a priority.

My therapeutic style is interactive, open, and collaborative. I provide respectful feedback, encouragement, education (when appropriate) and concrete recommendations to implement in daily life. I help clients prioritize goals and collaborate on steps to address problem areas. We identify behaviors and negative thinking that are self-limiting and interfere with accomplishing goals and maintaining daily routines - often the foundation of a happy, successful life. We may explore the quality of a client's interaction with others to assess whether the communication style supports or impedes objectives and goals.

For individuals who have ADHD and/or difficulties with executive functioning, I provide customized strategies, including simple calendars, familiar organizing technology and other resources that I have accrued over years of practice. Individuals presenting with anxiety and/or depression are provided empathic guidance in using behavioral and cognitive strategies to reduce symptoms. Sometimes, I will refer a client for a psychopharmacological evaluation.

Homework outside the session is sometimes an essential part of the process. A client may report daily progress to me about a previously agreed upon goal or commitment by email, text or phone. Feeling accountable is helpful for some clients. With the client's permission, the therapist may also initiate an email to encourage follow up on recommendations made in a previous session.

Specialties

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Executive functioning* vulnerabilities associated with ADHD, head injury, learning disabilities, and medical problems.

*Executive functioning is our internal manager that guides planning, initiating, managing time, organizing and prioritizing, focusing, paying attention, and more indirectly our memory.

I am especially qualified to work with individuals with executive functioning vulnerabilities. I was trained as a neuropsychologist and have performed neuropsychological testing for years.

Duration of Treatment/Number of Sessions

The number of sessions is determined by the client's needs and possibly insurance parameters. The average duration in therapy is 3-12 sessions, although some clients choose to stay in ongoing treatment. Sometimes one session is all it takes to get a client on the right track and others may opt to come weekly, bi-monthly or monthly. Some clients do periodic follow-up sessions on an "as needed" basis to address specific problems as they arise. Occasionally, I work as a consultant to another therapist.