Counseling theories

 My personal counseling style is eclectic, which means I incorporate various counseling techniques into my sessions. From the theory of research proven Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, I incorporate validation, mindfulness, and acceptance.    However, I also emphasize trauma focused-cognitive behavioral theory with survivors of violence or abuse, since linking feelings and thoughts to behaviors can increase self-awareness and recovery.  The Rogerian concept of “unconditional positive resolve” and Person Centered techniques work well with clients who need practice making choices in a safe environment.  Donald Meichenbaum’s cognitive restructuring, or Albert Ellis’s disputing of irrational thoughts are also utilized.  Joseph Wolpe’s Systematic Desensization can be helpful with PTSD, once clients become aware of triggers.  Additionally, I may emphasize the key element of Choice Theory with teenagers: “the only person’s behavior we can control is our own”.  Gestalt techniques are also excellent for self-awareness of body reactions and for rehearsing confrontations. Finally, maintaining sensitivity to multicultural issues is also an important focus of my art therapy sessions.

Art therapy allows people to heal from within.  Because of its power to tap into a person’s unconscious, art therapy has strong roots in Psychoanalytic theory.  Archetypes, the Collective Unconscious, Free Association, Dream Interpretation and Meditative Mandalas can be helpful when clients become "stuck" and can not seem to move forward.