About My Clients
I work with adult Individuals, Couples, Groups, and Families.
My Background and Approach
I help treat addiction through abstinence-based approaches as well as harm reduction. As long as their are certain perameters in plan to reduce harm. I use client-centered and acceptance therapies. One size does not fit all, therefore my approach is different for every patient. Experienced therapists know which tool is necessary for certain patients, in certain situations. Or as my mentor use to say.. "know when to pat them on the back or kick them in the butt."
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
I see addiction as a disease, rather than a character defect. I try to instill this fact in families who confuse their anger and resentment with anxiety and fear. Education is a very important part of the therapy process. Connecting mental health and addiction (Co-occuring disorders) techniques to wellness is the real skill. True Co-occuring therapists are hard to come by. I also believe in the power of timing. I don't use my agenda for a patients to reach their goals. I put the topics on the table and help create comfort around them until they are ready to approach them. I often use a "coaching" approach because many patients need direction and want to hear my opinion, rather than talk them in circles. Don't get me wrong, I can help patients process through events and emotions, but utilizing both seems to satisfy.