Blending Science and the
Art of Connecting with Clients
I am a doctoral-level psychologist
trained in both empirical research methods and clinical practice.
I draw from the psychotherapy research literature in devising
my interventions, integrating methods that have been proven
and empirically validated. And because the research suggests
that the most important aspects of successful psychotherapy
is the forming of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship,
I pay particular attention to forming a respectful, non-hierarchical,
team-based connection with my clients.
Teaching Useful Skills
I primarily use cognitive-behavioral techniques, which have been shown to be effective in hundreds of studies for a wide range of psychological problems and life transitions. This approach emphasizes teaching clients useable skills to change unproductive or self-limiting ways of thinking and behaving. I teach clients in effect to become their own therapist, practicing the techniques they learn outside of sessions as well. Such work is usually structured; short-term and problem-solving oriented, making room as well for open-ended exploration and reflection when appropriate. |
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Collaboratively Defining
Therapy Goals, Activities and Length of Therapy
I typically begin by helping clients
define goals for our work together (such as lessening anxiety
or depressive symptoms, overcoming self-defeating behaviors,
or improving relationships). My clients and I then collaboratively
devise strategies to achieve these goals, jointly decide what
self-help activities they want to try between sessions, determine
how long therapy should last, and so on. Since change isn't
always easy, I encourage clients to observe and discuss the
blocks that get in the way as they implement change in their
lives, so that we can fine-tune our strategies, using ongoing
two-way feedback about the process.
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Weaving Western Pragmatism
with Eastern Wisdom
My work is also influenced by Eastern
wisdom regarding the need for a holistic approach to the mind-body
healing process. Both documented research findings and my
own personal experience highlight the powerful role of stress
reduction and calming techniques (such as meditation, yoga,
relaxation training, simplifying ones life, etc) in improving
ones emotional well-being. I often teach interested clients
specific relaxation and stress reduction skills, including
ways to slow down and dwell more mindfully in the present
moment, helping clients find what methods work best for them.
In taking a holistic view, I also encourage clients to approach
their challenges from multiple perspectives (physical, emotional,
interpersonal, spiritual, and so forth). For example, if worry
and nervousness are the complaint, we might examine everything
from the withheld feelings underlying this emotional state,
to techniques to center and calm, to the role of nutrition
and exercise, to ways to create greater meaning and purpose
in life.
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Education
and Training
Having worked in various hospital and
clinic settings since 1986, I launched my independent private
practice in 1996. I received my doctorate degree in Clinical
Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University in 1994
and went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship at the Kaiser
Permenante Outpatient Psychiatry Clinical in Martinez, California
in 1995. Prior to graduation, I completed a predoctoral fellowship
at the Stanford Medical Center in Palo, Alto. During my graduate
training, I was awarded a National Institute of Mental Health
Graduate Training Fellowship and later received a Fulbright
Doctoral Fellowship, which allowed me to conduct cross-cultural
research in Germany. Prior to my doctoral work, I completed
my undergraduate degree in Psychology in 1985 at the University
of Texas at Austin, where I graduated with Highest Honors
and Special Honors in Psychology and was nominated to Phi
Beta Kappa.
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