Areas of Expertise
Trauma Treatment
I'm a certified provider in Cognitive Processing Therapy, an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, so I generally use this treatment. However, I am also able to work in the areas of trauma treatment through using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for PTSD, Couples' Therapy for PTSD, and some Prolonged Exposure. My goal is to help clients work through the trauma and put it in its proper place in their life.
Couple and Family Therapy
I'm certified in Hope-Focused Approach to Couples' counseling, but also have some experience in couples' counseling for PTSD, Cognitive Behavioral Couples' Therapy, and some other approaches. I have worked with couples experiencing infidelity and trauma. I am also certified in Prepare/Enrich and prefer this for premarital counseling.
Psychotherapy with Special Populations
Due to my background with military, veterans, and trauma, I am very comfortable working with these populations. I am also part of the Star Behavioral Health Alliance. I am also very comfortable working with individuals whose faith beliefs have a strong influence on their lives. I have often worked with people on sexual health concerns, at times with partners and at times separately, depending on whether the issues are related to sexual identity, gender identity, difficulties in the couple's sexual functioning, or sexual trauma.
Supervision
I can currently supervise both psychologists and MFTs in the state of Ohio. I was supervised by someone who is dually licensed, so I'd be happy to do both if someone else is in need. I have a sample contract available that explains more about my approach to supervision.
Supervision and Speaking Engagements
Regarding speaking at your organization: if I seem like a good fit, contact me and we'll come up with a topic, general ideas to cover, and make a contract regarding both our responsibilities to make this talk happen!
My Approach
Your first session or two with me will be an assessment, which is a bit different from therapy. Prior to your first session, I will request that you send me a packet of paperwork so that I can review it before we meet. I will focus on understanding what symptoms you're currently experiencing, what brought you in for treatment, what your goals are, and how you're hoping therapy will help you. However, I am also trying to put you in context, so I tend to focus on your relationships with others to make sense of your current behaviors in light of your past experiences. I also want to understand your cultural context, religious background, and any traumatic experiences you've endured.
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After the assessment is completed, we will talk about what kind of treatment I feel is most appropriate for you and whether that fits what you are thinking. For couples' counseling, I schedule an individual session with each of you before our initial couples' therapy session to get to know each of you individually as well as as a couple. I'm the expert in therapy, but you're the expert in you, so I want to make sure that we are on the same page for your treatment. I will work with you with respect to your values and aspirations to try to make the changes you want to make in your life. I often encourage people to bring family members in as part of their treatment if relevant.
