Individual Therapy

In individual therapy, we will use what are termed "evidence based (research based)" psychotherapy practices, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Reality or Choice Therapy, Cross-Cultuural therapies, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT).Some of the more common mental health concerns I see are symptoms of depression and other Mood Disorders, anxiety/worry and Anxiety Disorders, Phobias, Eating Disorder, Personality Disorders, interpersonal problems, adjustment/coping issues, bereavement/grief, addictions, personal growth and a variety of other concerns (see below for more details).

My approach to therapy is based on the simple idea that we first look at you as a person--as a whole--then look at your needs, strengths, goals and concerns. In 35 years of practice, and as a multi-cultural psychologist, I have learned that the client is not designed to fit a specific therapy model, but instead, such models must be formed to fit you. I've also come to see that clients are not only their diagnosis (e.g., Depression, Anxiery Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, sexual addiction) but much more. In this manner, my approach can be said to be integrative and eclectic in that there is no formula or one-dimensional, one-size-fits-all approach. What this also means is that you will be treated as a whole. I do combine the best of cross-cultural, cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, dialectical behavioral, humanistic, solution focused and mindfulness and acceptance models.

People see a psychologist for many reasons-- these have been the most frequent goals for seeking help:

• Develop personal skills

• Stop self defeating behaviors, emotions and thoughts--- especially those associated with Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Depression, Addictions, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and impulse control disorders such as ADHD.
• Improve self-management, especially in the areas of emotional regulation (e.g., learn to control overwhelming emotions that lead to self destructive behaviors, learn to manage impulsivity, learn skills to manage strongly addictive and compulsive behaviors)
• Learn new behaviors, expecially behaviors that create connections with others
• Learn more effective coping strategies
• Reduce the negative impact of chronic physical and/or mental illness
• Develop or improve skills for problem solving, conflict resolution, anger management and critical thinking
  
• Learn skills for mindfulness and acceptance (not the same as giving in) to reduce the intensity of a struggle
• Build better relationships
  
  • Resolve marital problems (especially poor communication, power struggles, loss of affection, and constant arguing) and learn to heal from the hurts resulting from too many conflicts
    
  • Strengthen abilities to choose and be a loving partner
  • Parent more effectively by learning to set boundaries, and by reducing emotional reactivity to what your children do
    
  • Decrease conflict and increase fun, connection, and intimacy
  • Appropriately assist impaired family members and aging parents
  • Deal effectively with difficult people and demanding work situations
• Break through imprisoning habits and embrace change
  
  • Leave poor choices and unproductive situations behind
  • Explore options
  • Create a more meaningful, manageable, and rewarding lifestyle
• Heal, grow, and be happy
  • Overcome the negative impact of damaging life experiences
  • Regain safety, self-respect, trust, and confidence when recovering from victimization
  • Resolve grief and transform losses into well-earned wisdom
  • Clarify beliefs, values, and questions of faith and your spiritual life
  • Strengthen the ability to act with courage, competence, and integrity
  • Reach a better understanding of who you are and what makes you tick

In addition to having an integrative and eclectic approach, I also emphasize culturally competence. What this means is that as a bilingual therapist (English-Spanish) I make every effort to acknowledge and understand the influence of race, ethnicity, oppressive histories, life experiences, age, language differences, and traditional and folk healing practices, on an individual's healing and recovery. I maintain an asking stance, staying open-minded, as well as working with you in ways that are compatible and harmonious with who you are.

Many clients are looking for a list of conditions that are most commonly addressed in therapy. 90% of my clients are seeking help for any of the following:

SMART Recovery

Because many individuals experiencing mental health problems also struggle with addictions (especially alcohol, substance and sexual), I am a strong proponent of the SMART Recovery process, which is deeply rooted in giving clients the skills and self efficacy for managing addictive and compulsive behavior.

SMART Recovery (Self Management And Recovery Training) is based on scientific knowledge and evolves as evidence-based practices of addiction recovery evolve.

The program offers tools and techniques for each program point:

Point 1: Enhancing and Maintaining Motivation

Point 2: Coping with Urges

Point 3: Problem Solving

Point 4: Lifestyle Balance

For more information, please go the following website: http://www.smartrecovery.org.