Areas of Specialization

I use several evidence-based, highly effective treatment modalities. These include (but are not limited to): 

Exposure/Response Prevention (ERP), in which clients gradually face their fears by engaging in targeted exposures. Exposures are conducted during the therapy session and then practiced daily in between sessions.  Clients will learn to eliminate the use of anxiety-reinforcing behaviors such as avoidance, reassurance-seeking, and checking. This treatment is effective for both children and adults. ERP has been found effective for the treatment of anxiety disorders, social anxiety, OCD, and phobias. Exposures are also incorporated into eating disorder treatment. 

Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) is an evidenced-based treatment modality that has been shown to be as effective as ERP in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Unlike ERP, I-CBT does not require use of exposures as the target of treatment. Rather, there is a focus on understanding and resolving the faulty reasoning processes that maintain the OCD. I-CBT teaches clients to learn to trust in themselves and their senses, rather than trusting the OCD narrative. In turn, this can lead to resolution of OCD symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented therapy that focuses on developing skills that allow clients to become aware of and disengage from unhelpful thoughts and patterns of behavior. Clients will learn to recognize the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and learn effective skills that will increase confidence in one's own abilities to manage challenges. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is described as a "third wave" cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on the development of cognitive flexibility through the use of mindfulness skills. The goal of ACT is to live a life consistent with one's values and view challenges through a lens of compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness.

Biofeedback can be used in combination with other therapies to provide clients with another strategy to manage stress and anxiety. It teaches clients to recognize the difference between tension and relaxation, control body functions (such as heart rate), and observe in real time how stress can impact these functions.  

Eating disorders are highly complex and require treatment by a therapist who has had extensive training in the various treatment modalities. Best practice recommends a team approach to treatment – which includes a therapist, primary care physician and/or psychiatrist, and dietician. Additionally, it is important to recognize when a higher level of care is needed. With nearly 20 years of experience in the treatment of eating disorders, I am skilled at providing you the care you need to move toward recovery.