A BRIEF EXPLANATION ABOUT OUR METHODS

Christian counseling upon request: My Masters in Professional Mental Health Counseling was obtained from a Christian university.  I also have a Doctorate in Ministry.  So for those individuals who are comfortable with counseling from a Christian perspective, I am more than happy to adopt Christian principles in the counseling relationship.  I am also very aware that not all individuals find their spiritual life in Christianity and, instead, embrace other forms of spirituality.  I am equally comfortable with helping them through their journey to mental health from other perspectives.  Yet other people do not feel any need or desire for spirituality in any form. We are able to work through their issues without resort to any spiritual principles.
 
Cognitive-behavioral theory: I use these techniques to change thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The goal is to improve life satisfaction and functioning. This is an insight-focused therapy where we will meet once or twice a week. Usually, they are short-term, approximately 8-12 sessions.
 
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Created primarily by Dr. Susan Johnson,  EFT is based on the foundation that relationships are at the core of the human experience and that relationships have a profound effect on physical and mental health. People usually avoid expressing emotions. As a psychotherapist, I empathetically encourage my clients to express their emotions in a safe environment and assist them to make sense of their emotions.  This enables them  to share their emotions and bond with family members and romantic partners.
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Existential Therapy: I use this therapy to understand the way my clients sees the world and the way they search for value and significance in their life. This method of treatment focuses on welcoming and unconditional acceptance.
 
Family Systems: This approach views the family from an interactive and systemic perspective, which sees an individual's dysfunctional behavior as a manifestation of dysfunctional behavior within the family system or as affecting the system negatively. This view stresses the importance of addressing all parts of a system if positive change is to take place and be maintained. Virginia Satir's rules and roles within a family are explored, as well as ineffective and/or non-existent communication patterns. Individuals are always seen as parts of a whole (family unit), rather than as identified patients/clients, separate and distinct. I use this system along with others to deal with family issues.
 
Gottman Method: I use the  assessment of the couple’s relationship which involves research-based interventions based on the “Sound Relationship House Theory”.
 
Motivational Interviewing: This type of interviewing is designed to recognize a person's means and motivation for change by exploring and resolving inconsistencies such as the inability to make a decision.
 
Play Therapy: I apply this therapy to build skills in children such as impulse control, social skills, and emotional understanding. Play therapy relies heavily on the parts of the brain that are the most strongly developed. We teach abilities to the children through play. We also use this therapy technique to process family and life changes such as moving, divorce, or loss of a loved one.
 
Psychoanalysis upon request: I use this therapy which involves analysis of an individual’s unconscious thoughts and functioning.
 
Reality Therapy: I use this therapy to challenge my clients to assess what they are doing and whether their behavior is fulfilling their basic needs of physical survival, belonging, power, and freedom, without hurting themselves or others.
 
Solution-focused-therapy: I usually use this therapy to treat individuals of all ages, including behavioral problems, domestic or child abuse, family dysfunction, addiction, and relationship problems. This therapy is usually short-term, about 5-8 sessions.