Carl Rogers
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself, just as I am, then I can change.”
Thich Nhat Hang
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”
Mindfulness Based Therapy in Dayton, Ohio.
I am intensively trained in a specialized type of therapy called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. This means that mindfulness is at the heart of everything I do in my clinical practice. We will work together at each session to identify your thoughts and feelings and help you pay attention to what is happening inside and outside of your body. I will assign homework, teach relaxation training and breathing exercises during session, ask questions, and work with you as a collaborative team member and trusted ally.
Why DBT?
DBT is a type of therapy that focuses on learning new skills, trying new things, and building a joyful life. In DBT, we work to make changes as well as find ways to accept reality. As a long time fan of yoga and meditation, I knew that a mindfulness based approach to psychotherapy would be a natural fit for me.
During my internship and practicum experiences in graduate school, I was able to assist DBT Group Facilitators in leading Skills Training Classes. Now, as a private practice therapist, I focus on DBT-informed individual therapy for adults from all walks of life. DBT is especially helpful for highly sensitive people who feel things deeply and have a desire to improve their lives, have greater control over their behaviors, and seek their own inner wisdom.
As a DBT therapist, I meet with a consultation team of 4 other DBT specialists each week in order to provide supervision, guidance, and feedback to one another. This ensures that I am providing DBT treatment that is adherent to the treatment model, and striving to conduct excellent clinical work with my clients.
Is DBT the only
type of therapy
I practice?
No!
While DBT is the primary philosophy from which I practice, I pride myself on being a flexible and adaptive therapist. I will integrate strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Solutions Focused Brief Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Expressive Arts, Feminist Theory, and many other strategies. Just as each client is a unique individual, so are therapists. I will tailor the approach I use to best meet your needs—but there are a few basic elements of my sessions that you can expect at just about every session:
1) I use a lot of humor. I like to have fun, be myself, and form a warm connection with my clients. I don’t take myself too seriously and I invite you to get comfortable and be yourself.
2) I draw pictures to illustrate ideas, ask questions, share handouts and worksheets, and assign homework. I am an active participant in our work together. Do not expect an old-school Freudian therapist who will quietly nod and speak very minimally— that is not my approach.
3) I prioritize the therapeutic alliance (the relationship between therapist and client) above all else. I will frequently check in with you about how you’re feeling, I will self-disclose appropriately, I will take time to ask questions and make sure I understand your problem, and I will work to earn your trust.
My Services
Intake & Diasgnostic Assessments
$140-$210, 60-90 Minutes
At our first appointment we will have a thorough discussion of your history, symptoms, background information, and all challenges you would like to address in our therapeutic work together. We will explore whether or not you meet criteria for any DSM 5 TR diagnoses, and we will discuss a plan for your treatment. We will identify specific goals and objectives for your treatment which will help us to measure progress and stay on track.
Individual Therapy
$140, 50-60 Minutes
At the beginning of treatment, we will likely meet every 1-2 weeks. As you make progress and achieve treatment goals and objectives, we will begin to meet less frequently. The average length of therapy for my adult clients is typically 1 year. Some folks elect to continue therapy for longer in order to maintain their progress. During the maintenance stage of therapy, many clients view monthly appointments as a “safety net” for when life throws challenges their way.
Phone Coaching
Free!
I provide free coaching to my clients between sessions. Think of coaching as a 10-15 minute interaction during which I will help you cope effectively— not necessarily vent about stressful events. Coaching is a target, solutions-focused interaction during which I will help you get back on track.
Collaborative Professional Services
0-15 Minutes: Free
16+ Minutes: $2.33/minute, $140/hr.
In the event that you need me to collaborate with other treatment providers (such as a psychiatrist, physician, law enforcement, probation officer, lawyer, attend court, or provide testimony, etc) I bill my time at the same rate as a therapy session—$140 per hour, which comes out to $2.33 per minute. I only charge for this time if the encounter takes longer than 15 minutes.