MY APPROACH TO THERAPY
I use an integrative approach rooted in the evidence-based principles of Mind-Body Medicine, which focus on the interaction among mind and body and the powerful ways in which emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual factors can affect health. This practice is based on the principle that mind and body are interconnected, that any changes in the body will result in psychological change, and any change in the mind will result in physiological change.
Within this framework, psychotherapeutic methods from various schools of psychology may be incorporated as appropriate, such as, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Analytical Psychotherapy, or Reality Therapy. At those times when a client reveals either a spiritual nature, or expresses a desire to explore any mental health issue through the prism of their religious or spiritual beliefs, those beliefs will be incorporated into the therapeutic process.
Mind-Body techniques that may be used in combination with, or in place of, talk therapy include: isochronic tones, imagery, mindfulness, breathing, meditation, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, and low energy neurofeedback (LENS).
The client in mind-body medicine is understood as a totality of body, mind, and spirit. Many common medical problems are functional or chronic disorders exacerbated by lifestyle, situational stress, and psychosocial factors. The development of a positive and supporting professional relationship is key to providing a trusting, caring and non-judgmental environment in which a client can freely share thoughts and feelings.
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MY BACKGROUND & TRAINING
PhD, LPC, LAC
Growing up outside the U.S in Central and South America, and Southwest Asia provided me an early appreciation for both the relative strengths of different cultures and the hopes, dreams and aspirations shared by virtually all people. It has also provided me a unique perspective on the mental and physical toll many of us pay living in a highly-industrialized and rapidly-moving society. I believe many of our health issues can be addressed through the use of time-tested and natural techniques, which can be learned relatively easily and then used for the rest of our lives.
My professional interest is in understanding the brain and how it affects – and is affected by – our bodies, so that my clients will have information on the most current and effective non-pharmaceutical mind-body treatment I can provide. I have worked for a number of years with clients challenged with addiction of various kinds, depression, anxiety and stress, feelings of not belonging or being unconnected with others around them, trauma (including sexual abuse), and issues involving aging (including those specific to men). Additional specialties that have evolved over the past five years include traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic pain, chronic insomnia, and Lyme Disease.
Finally, I earned my PhD in Mind-Body Medicine (neurofeedback specialty) through Saybrook University, and the M.A. in Counseling from Denver Seminary. I am both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addiction Counselor, and a former Affiliate Faculty member in Regis University’s Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, Division of Counseling & Family Therapy.