I combine a few theoretical orientations in my practice, with the primary ones being cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), choice theory/reality therapy, and positive psychology. There is much data to support the effectiveness of these complimentary approaches. I work collaboratively with you in order to effectively address your challenges, I work collaboratively with them. Ultimately, my goal as a psychologist is to help my clients learn strategies to manage their problems independent of me. Like my clients, I am always learning and growing. Thus, my treatment philosophy and therapeutic approach evolve over time as new research findings become available, and as I learn from my experiences with my clients.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of therapy that has gained a great deal of attention within the last few decades. In brief, in cognitive behavioral therapy (sometimes called cognitive therapy or cognitive behavior therapy), clients are taught that thoughts, emotions, and behavior are inextricably linked. The way we perceive things influences our physiological, emotional, and behavioral responses. According to the cognitive model, dysfunctional or inaccurate thoughts often underlie chronic/severe emotional and behavioral problems. Through various techniques, thoughts and behaviors are examined and modified. With practice, clients learn these techniques so that they can effectively deal with their challenges on their own. In contrast to other forms of psychotherapy, CBT tends to be more problem-solving oriented, time limited, and focused on the present.


Choice Theory/Reality Therapy
Choice Theory, which was formulated by psychiatrist Dr. William Glasser, posits that all humans have 5 basic needs (survival, freedom, fun, power, and love/belonging) that we attempt to satisfy through our behavioral choices. According to choice theory, almost all behavior is chosen, and we can only control our own behavior. Although everyone has all 5 of these needs, the drive for love and belongingness tends to be the most important. According to choice theory, it is through the development of close, caring relationships that we can most effectively fulfill our other needs and achieve happiness. Unfortunately, people frequently use external control (i.e., various types of coercive force such as criticizing, threatening, and nagging) to attempt to get others to do what they would like them to do with the misguided belief that this will help others to best satisfy their needs. However, using external control on others tends to result in conflict, frustration, and disconnected relationships. In turn, disconnected relationships ultimately produce unhappy people that may manifest mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Reality therapy is Dr. Glasser’s counseling approach using choice theory. Within reality therapy, there is much emphasis on a person learning to develop a strong internal locus of control (i.e., belief that one can attain desired results through one’s choices) and a strong sense of responsibility for one’s behavior. Like CBT, reality therapy tends to be focused on the present, problem and solution oriented, and time limited. Importantly, like CBT, a main goal in reality therapy is to aid clients in gaining new perspectives and techniques that will help them to manage challenges on their own.