Adult Psychotherapy
Have a happier life, relationship, career
Theories of Practice
I draw heavily from the work of the early humanistic or client centered therapists. I also use family systems theories. There is a strong cognitive component to my work. I am also skilled at helping clients overcome anxiety using exposure therapy and examining self-talk that is hampering their growth. Mindfulness skills are also helpful in controlling and redirecting anxious thoughts and feelings.
Whether using words, toys, or art, psychotherapy provides the most effective path for self-expression. Humans were made to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe space. If deprived of healthy self-expression, we get sick.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
has been getting a great deal of attention recently because of its efficacy in treating many different emotional and behavioral problems. However, no form of therapy is a one intervention fits all endeavor. I customize CBT with my clients by examining the role of self-talk and how it affects mood. Self-talk can be a running internal commentary where we evaluate and judge all that is going on around us and what’s happening to us. Most people talk to themselves almost constantly. Unfortunately, most of us don’t do a very good job of it. Sometimes our thoughts take specific forms such as judgement-laden, self-critical self-talk. After making a common error they are likely to have self-talk like “I must be perfect” or “I should have known better, this is all my fault”.
Another category of harmful self-talk involves all-or-nothing thinking, like “this relationship didn’t work out, I’ll never find love”. Quite often the client will not be aware of these negative self-appraisals, so bringing them to the surface to examine whether they are helpful or hurtful can be a transformative experience. Using mindfulness and self-compassion helps change the way we think about our circumstances. A more realistic and positive appraisal typically translates into how we feel and behave, making it possible to think your way into better feeling and behaving.
Areas of Expertise in Psychotherapy
Adoption
Anxiety
Behavioral Issues
Child and adolescent counseling
Child development
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Depression
Divorce
Emotional Modulation
Family Conflict
Grief
Learning Issues
Life transitions
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Parenting
Play therapy
Relationship Issues
Trauma recovery
Contact Janette
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