INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

I am eclectic by nature. Depending on your individual needs I will use a wide range of therapy models; including Cognitive Therapy, Addiction Models, Yoga, Eastern Thought, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Trauma work, and Psychodynamic Work.

Clients are encouraged to bring a notebook into sessions, and write down what they learn and track their progress. Therapy is a safe, supportive, and educational place to learn new skills.

I think holistically; The body is a wealth of information about our unconscious beliefs. I want to know about your sleep, diet, and exercise habits, and I will help you develop healthier routines. With this information we will create a comprehensive treatment plan, and keep track of your progress.

SEXUAL ADDICTION

I was the first Certified Sexual Addictions Therapist (CSAT) in the Chapel Hill area who was trained with Dr. Carnes (sexhelp.com), over 10 yrs ago. Dr. Carnes is the pioneer in the Sexual Addiction field, and is the author of numerous books on the topic. As a member of the CSAT community, I have access to Dr. Carnes’ online sexual addiction inventory (SDI). This is a comprehensive assessment tool that some clients prefer for an immediate detailed report.

The SAA Program (Sex Addicts Anonymous) is a free supportive system for recovering people. I have witnessed the SAA program grow in leaps and bounds, and I know the recovering community well. I have spoken at their weekend workshops. I have trained employees at Duke University’s Counseling department on this topic. I was the first Expert Witness on Sex Addiction in a Capital Offense case which took place in Raleigh, NC.

RELATIONSHIP COUNSELING

I am trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist. In the last few years I have trained with Terrence Real in the Relational Recovery Therapy model. What is RRT and how is it different from traditional counseling? In this model, the therapist takes on a more active role in session. The “plum line” is intimacy -Staying connected in the face of disconnection. The model is heavy on education and skill building. There is a strong emphasis on practice and homework (includes prep forms to be done for the session). The change comes from both partner’s focusing on individual change in order to see relational change. 

Infidelity, pornography, and addictions are some common and painful realities that couples are facing. These behaviors are the result of deeper issues that haven’t been addressed. I promise that this doesn’t just go away on its own. The tendency to want to avoid the consequences is common, but the legacy of this avoidance takes a personal toll that tears at your self value and feeds self deception. Each partner has very different work to do if they are commited to the relationship. Betrayal needs to be worked through. When couples are invested in the work, it is a beautiful thing to witness a couple reconnecting at a deeper level.

COUPLE’S WELLNESS COUNSELING

This is similar to couple’s counseling, except that couples are proactive in assessing and addressing potential relationship problems before Marriage. Couples are conscious of the high divorce rate, and are proactive in their assessment of the potential difficult issues and individual differences before marriage. The emphasis is building on the existing positive energy and motivation while honestly facing the inevitable struggles that face every married couple. This takes the sting of disillusionment in the first or second year of marriage, when the romance phase naturally wanes. This is the riskest period when couples are often at a loss for how to work through conflict or disillusionment. The focus is on more skill building on the front end (when there is more energy and desire) and less disillusionment on the back end (when problems or secrets may have been suppressed).

FAMILY THERAPY

As a parent, I understand the pressure and difficulties of maintaining consistency and firm limits (especially at a time when there are so many other influences that can impact your children in a negative way). I enjoy working with adolscents and teens individually and with their parents (or care givers). Together we can sort through the underlying feelings and issues in order to find a better way to teach you and your child to relate to one another (by setting realistic and mutual individual and family expectations and goals). I have a systems approach to working with adolescents/teens and their families, which means that I find it helpful to also work with other professionals involved in the child’s life in order to provide a comprehensive treatment plan. This would involve working with the school system and other service providers.

EMDR

EMDR stands for- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing that was developed by Frances Shapiro in 1989, and has proven its efficacy over the course of time.

EMDR  is a unique therapeutic modality designed to alleviate distress caused by shock trauma (big dramatic traumas) or smaller more persistent trauma memories.

Repeated studies (HMO Kaiser Permanente) show that EMDR sessions can accelerate the benefits of therapy significantly.

Please go to emdr.com to learn more.

TeleTherapy

Sometimes clients have a hard time making it into the office for a session– A child gets sick, they get stuck at the office, or they are traveling for business or pleasure.  These are some of the situations where Technology is wonderful. I have a service that I use that has an encrypted software that is HIPPA compliant and privacy is protected. We are able to have a face to face therapy session via the internet.

YOGA

I received my “Yoga Teacher Training” with Andrea Dryer at “Mind Body Fitness” in Greensboro in 2011, and teach classes locally.  I was trained in Ashtanga Yoga, but now have a more electric approach to yoga; blending ashtanga, vinyasa, hatha, and yin.  I tend toward education on physiology and the scientific benefits of yoga to balance our Endocrine  system, increase flexibility, stamina, circulation, and strength.  All of these qualities translate into our work and relational lives. Yoga can be made easy and practical in everyday life. As we age, it is even more important to learn to listen to the messages and signals our bodies are communicating: These skills help to attain, then maintain our quality of life, work, and vitality.

I have lead yoga workshops on the mind body connection for healing PTSD.  I have a special interest in using Yoga as Medicine; I seek to educate clients about how stress hormones impact the body, and learn yoga tools to self sooth and calm. If a client is interested, and it is appropriate, I will teach some yoga in a therapy session. I also teach couples how to use Thai Yoga, so that they can incorporate that practice at home.

I have lead corporate workshops on the benefits of yoga with a wide range of different groups from office workers to tradesmen.

I am available for workshops and private classes as requested. Attend a class with me at Hillsborough Yoga Company.