Addiction, depression, anxiety, codependency and co-occurring disorders all involve elements that are physical, mental and spiritual. We suffer in each of these areas, and recovery is concerned with getting well in each of these areas.  Psychotherapy is primarily concerned with the mental aspect of health; however, raising awareness of the physical and the spiritual parts of health makes us more resilient and makes our recovery stronger. I approach treatment from that perspective.

ADDICTION
For the treatment of addiction, I approach that with a belief that each person is an individual, and each person needs an individualized treatment plan. Following a thorough assessment, I typically utilize elements of a traditional, abstinence-based treatment philosophy and incorporate relapse prevention and mindfulness-based relapse prevention interventions. I will give an overview description of this below.

Traditional, abstinence-based treatment philosophy works out of the belief that abstinence from alcohol and other drugs is a prerequisite for recovery, and that people with addiction can recover through not using and finding a new way to live. Staying clean and sober becomes comfortable through physical, mental and spiritual healing. Relapse prevention is predominantly a cognitive-behavioral therapy that largely focuses on adjusting thinking and actions in order to improve success in recovery efforts. Mindfulness-based relapse prevention utilizes a focus on increasing acceptance and tolerance of positive and negative physical, emotional, and cognitive states, such as craving. This helps to decrease the need to relieve the discomfort caused by these states by engaging in substance use. Research and experience indicate that this type of combination approach is very effective in helping people achieve lasting recovery.

Even if you’ve tried to recover and you haven’t been as successful as you would like, I can help you discover where you’re getting stuck, and work on resolving the stuck point. I approach recovery from a developmental model of recovery perspective. I offer both individual and group therapy. If a higher level of care is indicated, safety becomes a primary concern. We can confidentially discuss treatment options and I can help you get to the right treatment, after which you can then return for outpatient care.

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
For the treatment depression and anxiety, I approach this with a focus on relief from symptoms. Our relationship can develop into one where you have enough trust to explore your life experience fully. You can develop insight, skills and principles to apply that can help you feel better and enjoy your life more. I often, but not always, suggest that you also see a psychiatrist to assess the need for medication. I have a few psychiatrists with whom I work regularly and can make a referral if we both agree that this is the right approach for you.

CODEPENDENCY
Codependency is being so focused on someone else’s life that you lose perspective on your own. Its treatment involves exploring your experiences and your relationships, and learning to love yourself.  Treatment involves learning to have healthy boundaries with other people. Another focus is helping you better devote your attention to self-care as a daily practice. We can be of service to others while also taking care of ourselves and living a healthy and balanced life.

FOR EVERYONE
My main job is to provide you ethical and nonjudgmental attention to the problems for which you’re seeking help. I strive to create a safe environment and a trusting relationship where you are able work on what you need to work on. I promise to do my best to achieve this.