Integrative Therapy

Integrative psychotherapy is an approach that combines various therapeutic techniques and theories to address your unique needs. Rather than adhering strictly to a single school of thought (like cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or humanistic therapy), integrative psychotherapy provides the flexibility needed to draw from your strengths to support lasting change.

Key aspects of integrative psychotherapy include:

1. Personalization: I will assess individual clients and incorporate the most effective methods for their specific issues in attainment of their therapeutic goals.
2. Holistic Focus: I use a client-centered approach, considering the client’s emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social aspects, rather than focusing solely on symptoms.
3. Flexibility: This approach allows me to shift techniques and approaches as needed throughout therapy, adjusting to the needs of the client.
4. Collaboration: The therapeutic relationship is most effective when its collaborative. When clients are active participants in their healing process, engaged in exploring their emotions and thoughts in a safe space, it fosters self-discovery and insight.
5. Research-Informed: Integrative approaches often rely on empirical evidence from different therapeutic modalities, incorporating techniques that have been shown to be effective.

Overall, integrative psychotherapy aims to provide a more comprehensive and effective treatment experience by leveraging the strengths of various therapeutic methods.

Some of the therapeutic approaches I will draw from include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The core idea is that negative or distorted thinking patterns can lead to emotional distress and unhealthy behaviors. By identifying and challenging these thoughts, individuals can develop more balanced, realistic ways of thinking, which in turn can improve their emotional well-being and behavior.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help individuals manage intense emotions and reduce self-destructive behaviors. It emphasizes balancing acceptance and change by teaching skills in four key areas:

1. Mindfulness: Encourages focusing your awareness on the present moment and acceptance of your thoughts and feelings.
2. Distress Tolerance: Builds coping strategies for crisis situations to avoid resorting to harmful behaviors.
3. Emotion Regulation: Increases understanding and management of intense emotions.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Helps develop skills to support healthy relationships and assert needs appropriately.

Client-Centered Psychotherapy

Client-centered psychotherapy emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive, empathetic environment where you feel understood, accepted, and empowered to explore your own thoughts and feelings. Rather than focusing on diagnosing or interpreting your issues, I actively listen and reflect your feelings, helping you gain insight and find your own solutions to problems. Client-centered therapy operates on the belief that you possess an inherent ability for personal growth and self-healing. It presumes, with an accepting, safe environment, where you are encouraged to trust your own inner resources, you will make positive changes and move toward self-actualization.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy rooted in the theories of psychoanalysis. The central idea behind psychodynamic therapy is that unresolved conflicts and emotions, often outside of your conscious awareness, can influence your daily lives in negative ways. It helps you get to the root of those patterns by asking tough questions and sitting with the discomfort of what you find. But on the other side of that discomfort is a deeper connection to yourself, a sense of authenticity. We would examine those deep emotions you often try to hide or numb and understanding how the things you carry from our past—especially shame and fear—show up in your life today. Healing comes from showing up fully, with all your messy and imperfect parts. Psychodynamic therapy is about reclaiming your story, rewriting the narratives that no longer serve you, and stepping into your worthiness with your whole heart.