There are many reasons for people to seek therapy. Sometimes people struggle in the face of life changes due to guilt, anxiety, sadness, and doubt. Therapy can help at these times as well as when one is struggling with bereavement, relationships, or when there are blocks to reaching life goals. Therapy can provide problem solving skills, support, insight, and reflection on issues such as low self- esteem, depression, stress management, bereavement, and spiritual conflicts.

During a therapy session it is expected that you talk about identified concerns and issues that exist in your life. We may explore what is working in your life and what you would like to change and then identify means to make this change. Sessions typically last just under one hour and can be spaced one to two weeks apart. The time between sessions is active with you being asked to think about what was discussed and practicing skills taught such as mindfulness exercises, reading relevant material, and journaling. Therapy is successful when the individual is active both in and out of sessions.

Information shared is not disclosed without written permission. In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. There are number of exceptions to this rule. These include:

• Reported child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse is the first of these acceptions. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• Client report of intention or threat to cause serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• Client disclosure of intent to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.

Acceptance Commitment Therapy is based on the belief that a person can make changes in their life, not by fighting feelings attached to behaviors, but by accepting feelings in order to change. Through the use of metaphor, paradox, and experiential exercises, individuals learn how to make healthy contact with feelings, thoughts, and memories that have been feared and avoided. Skills are learned that allow for acceptance of these private events, develop greater clarity about ones own values, and commit to desired behavior changes.

EMDR is a structured, evidence based modality developed to relieve distress associated with traumatic memories. Within it one learns stress reduction techniques and imagery exercises to develope an ability to feel relaxed and safe. Later phases of the therapy work to bring current day awarenessess to traumatic memory to help shift the felt experience of the memory. It is used primarily in treating PTSD but can also be effective in enhancing performance and treating anxiety and depression.

In Dialectic Behavioral Therapy work is done to balance change with acceptance of what ones life and situations brings. Focus is given to how to be effective in relationships, how to regulate ones emotions, and tolerate the distress that can come with those emotions. There is an overriding focus on mindfully facing each of these three areas.