Substance use therapy is a specialized form of treatment that addresses an individual's problematic relationship with substances. It centers on understanding the underlying factors contributing to substance use and collaboratively developing strategies to manage cravings, triggers, and addictive behaviors. The core of therapy is tailored to each person's unique circumstances and goals, which may range from reducing substance use to achieving complete abstinence. This collaborative approach ensures that the individual feels empowered and supported in their journey towards a healthier and more fulfilling life, whatever that may look like for them.

Trauma-informed therapy is a therapeutic approach that recognizes and emphasizes the profound impact trauma can have on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It shifts the focus from asking "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?" understanding that many mental health symptoms and behavioral patterns are often adaptations to past traumatic experiences. This approach prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment, creating a therapeutic environment where individuals feel safe to explore their experiences and begin the healing process.

Treating trauma through a trauma-informed lens involves a multi-faceted approach. The first step is often establishing safety and stabilization, helping the individual develop coping mechanisms to manage distressing symptoms and grounding techniques to stay present. Therapies like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Somatic Experiencing are commonly used, each offering unique ways to process traumatic memories and reduce their impact. The goal isn't necessarily to erase the trauma, but to help the individual integrate the experience into their life narrative in a way that reduces distress and promotes resilience.

Couples therapy offers a structured and supportive environment to delve into the underlying issues causing friction and unhappiness in a relationship. It's a collaborative process where both partners can safely explore their feelings, communication patterns, and unmet needs. Through couples therapy, we will be able to foster improved communication skills, allowing partners to express themselves more effectively and listen to each other with greater empathy. We can also identify and address negative cycles of interaction that contribute to conflict and distance, and work towards establishing healthier patterns. Ultimately, the goal is to help couples develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their partner, leading to increased intimacy, connection, and a stronger, more fulfilling relationship.

With my experience in veteran mental health, I strive to provide compassionate and evidence-based care that addresses the unique challenges faced by those who have served. I understand the complexities of military culture, the impact of trauma, and the common mental health conditions that can arise after service. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where veterans feel comfortable sharing their experiences and working towards healing and recovery. I am dedicated to staying current with the latest research and best practices in veteran mental healthcare to ensure that my clients receive the highest quality of care tailored to their individual needs.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can emerge following exposure to deeply disturbing events involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. The aftermath of such trauma can manifest in various ways, including the unwelcome intrusion of distressing memories and thoughts, a conscious effort to avoid triggers associated with the event, a marked shift towards negative emotions and beliefs, and heightened reactivity, such as exaggerated startle responses or sleep disturbances. These symptoms can create significant disruptions in a person's daily life, strain interpersonal relationships, and diminish overall well-being. If these symptoms resonate with your experiences and you suspect you may be living with PTSD, seeking support and treatment is a crucial step towards healing and reclaiming your life. Schedule a consultation today, and together, we can work towards alleviating your symptoms and fostering a path to recovery.

Mood disorders can manifest in various ways, often mimicking other conditions or life stressors. You might find yourself experiencing persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, or extreme irritability. Maybe you're struggling with overwhelming feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, experiencing significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns, or battling persistent fatigue. Alternatively, you could be experiencing periods of intense elation, racing thoughts, and impulsive behaviors. Sometimes, these symptoms can be subtle and easily dismissed as just "a phase." If these symptoms resonate with you, scheduling a consultation is a proactive step towards understanding and managing your mood. Together, we can work on developing coping strategies and interventions that empower you to navigate your emotional landscape and build a life filled with meaning and purpose.

Anxiety and depression can insidiously take over your life, manifesting in a multitude of ways. Common symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. You might experience overwhelming worry, racing thoughts, and difficulty concentrating. Physical symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and muscle tension are also frequently associated with these conditions. Furthermore, social withdrawal, irritability, and feelings of worthlessness can isolate you and impact your relationships. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and finding it hard to cope, please know that you are not alone and help is available. Schedule an appointment with us, and together we can explore strategies and resources to help you regain control and work towards achieving the positive outcomes you deserve.

Art therapy is a specialized form of therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. For children with special needs, art therapy offers a unique and powerful outlet for expression, communication, and self-discovery. It allows them to bypass traditional verbal communication barriers and explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences through various art mediums like painting, drawing, sculpting, and collage. This process can foster self-esteem, enhance social skills, improve motor skills, and provide a safe space to process challenging emotions or trauma.

Art therapy can be particularly beneficial for children with special needs by providing a non-threatening and engaging way to explore emotions like anxiety, frustration, and sadness. It can help them develop coping mechanisms, improve sensory integration, and promote a sense of mastery and accomplishment. The therapeutic relationship within the art-making process can also build trust, improve communication skills, and strengthen the child's sense of self-awareness.

Is your child struggling to express themselves or facing emotional challenges? Book an appointment with us today to discover the transformative power of art therapy. Let us help your child unlock their creative potential and learn to express themselves in a vibrant and meaningful way. We are here to support your child's journey toward emotional well-being and self-discovery.