Adult Psychotherapy & LENS Neurofeedback Services

Picture
When working with Adults my approach utilizes reflective listening and incorporates symbolic concepts such as dream interpretation and psychic imagery. My talk therapy style is informed by a psychodynamic model; attachment oriented through observation of personal relationships. I offer 'nuggets' or insights based on my observations in the room and provide opportunities for deeper self-exploration. We can work together in a very targeted fashion, focusing on symptom relief - utilizing a more cognitive behavioral approach, or we can ‘explore’ the inner psyche in order to gain more self-awareness and satisfaction from life and personal relationships for example via a Jungian perspective on dreams, archetypes and the collective unconscious. 
​
Sometimes a person just needs a place to unwind or de-stress. Sometimes there are important stories, which haven’t been told or need to be re-told until the underlying wound or trauma can release from its energetic encasement. Whatever the reason for seeking therapy, my aim is to 'hold space' for whatever you need in order to heal, move forward and begin living your life in a more satisfactory way. This may involve adding a physiological approach to our sessions such as breathing techniques or Neurofeedback to help calm the nervous system and break up traumatic patterns. Or perhaps you just need a place to talk. Whatever the intervention - you direct your own treatment and we will work collaboratively to come up with the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Adolescents & Transitional Age Youth
​ages 13-25


​With adolescents I work from a Humanistic-Existential Overview, or what I like to call "Meaning-Based Therapy." This incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness techniques, Empathic listening and Trust-based relationship building. Non-traditional interventions I incorporate are creative expression such as dream work, symbolic images, writing for healing and poetry therapy. I also offer straightforward practical coaching and support for young adults and youth suffering from ADHD.
​
I have worked at St. Mary's Medical Center's Acute Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Unit for over 4 years and continue to work with teens in crisis or who are having trouble navigating the social scene, who experience Anxiety, Depression or Suicidal Ideation. These are the years in an adolescent's life they need more guidance than not, when the brain is ripe for learning but most susceptible to impulsivity and compounded-aggravated stress.
​
  • Sometimes a young person just needs someone to listen so they can talk about things that are difficult
  • Often times tweens and adolescents don't have healthy outlets for stress management
  • Most teens need help managing screen time, which is 'not' relaxation to the brain
  • I frequently hear adolescents speak of the compounded PRESSURES they experience on a daily basis
  • ​Additional support outside of school, work or the home can be imperative in these trying times for youth of all ages 
  • Sometimes the old road maps aren't pointing the way as Transitional-aged Youth need more time to make things work 
  • Families are navigating new territories supporting their young adult children to thrive. ​​​
  • LENS Neurofeedback can be a wonderful ancillary therapy approach to talk therapy as it works on calming the central nervous system, which is the seat of most anxiety, stress reactions and negative self-talk. As a result of having a positive effect on the central nervous system LENS can help overall with self esteem.

​Co-Joint LENS Treatment & Family Consultant
The family system is the primary system in a child's life

​
At this point I am no longer seeing child clients for 1:1 therapy sessions, such as sand tray or play therapy but will work as a LENS Neurofeedback provider for children suffering from ADHD, ODD, Anxiety and Learning Disorders, and other issues pertaining to the central nervous system, which may be helped by Neurofeedback. These services would include co-joint family sessions when appropriate and collaborative work with other members of the child's treatment team including the child's therapist, behavior coach, teachers, psychologists, education specialists, medical practitioners and other biofeedback providers: 

  • Often times I meet with parents, grandparents, siblings and extended family members to further support the collaborative therapeutic understanding of treatment as well to gain a better understanding of the child's behaviors and afflictions.​
  • I have over 7 years experience working with children and families through schools, outpatient clinics, hospital settings and private practice. This work has included families from varied cultural backgrounds and constructs.
  • I am currently pursuing a PhD in Applied Psychophysiology and am informed in cutting edge treatments available for children who suffer from neurological disorders and issues with self-regulation.
  • I enjoy working with children, adolescents and their families. I utilize a Strengths-based Family Systems Approach, which includes collateral work with school-counselors, teachers and other medical care providers. I have experience working with IEPs and assisting parents to advocate for their child’s needs at school and with outside care programs. I can be a valuable treatment team member when it comes to supporting your child’s Neurodiversity. ​​




LENS for children

Picture

  • LENS Neurofeedback is an amazing adjunct treatment to child therapy services, tutoring, learning in general and is especially helpful in ruling out early developmental diagnoses by treating unseen traumas in the brain due to perinatal, emotional or undetected physical traumas such as closed head injuries, which can cause symptoms similar to DSM diagnoses or learning differences.

  •  LENS is also an excellent treatment for documented traumas such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI's). LENS treatment speeds up recovery time and supports the brain to optimize its healing process including future development of more robust and optimized neural pathways.

Even if your child has a legitimate diagnosis or learning difference, there is more than likely 'noise' in the neural system that LENS can alleviate. LENS works better the earlier it is given as a therapeutic treatment because developmental stages build on one another. The earlier developmental trauma is addressed, the sooner the effects can be reversed *This is the sole reason I am focussing on LENS treatment vs. Child Therapy, which I am happy to refer out for and collaborate with other child therapists to make sure any physiological aspects of the healing are co-jointly addressed to help your child maximize his or her success in treatment.