Aloha!
We all have had times in our lives where we feel stuck, and unsure about what to do next. Whether it is during an ominous time, a transition in our life, or when things just feel out of control, we all occasionally need guidance in becoming conscious of the feelings and thoughts that have become obstacles.
My training in depth psychology allows me to help my clients understand their process on a deeper more meaningful level. I have been working with people for over twenty years and have been practicing psychotherapy for 20+ years. Being licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist allows me a greater understanding of how struggles affect individuals in relation to their significant others. Further, understanding family dynamics is an integral part of working with relationships, eating disorders, and trauma.
I am also a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and have extensive experience. My experience includes working in all levels of care, inpatient hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment. My time in working at the inpatient level provided me with experience with the most severe cases of anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating. Therefore, the clinical approach is essential. I utilize evidence based treatment practices such as, but not limited to DBT and am trained in EMDR for treating trauma.
Group therapy is an essential component in the treatment of eating disorders. Research suggests that the skills learned in group therapy are more effective than individual therapy alone. I have been facilitating eating disorder therapy groups for over fifteen years. In the years of specialization, I also treated bariatric clients, orthorexia, diabulimia, BDD, and body image issues. I utilize evidence- based approaches in conjunction with the language of metaphor in my treatment.
The behaviors and symptoms related to eating disorders become a way to communicate. I understand and treat the underlying issues that fuels disordered eating. I teach my clients how to work through difficult feelings and help them to understand the deeper meaning as to why they are using eating/restricting/ compensatory behaviors through the language of metaphor. This allows awareness and insight in finding their truth. I assist in exploring and identifying the function of the disordered eating and address any unhealthy relational patterns by learning new ways of relating and coping.
I believe that in order for psychotherapy to be effective, the connection and trust between the therapist and client is key. I am ready to meet you wherever you are on your path and will assist you in YOUR JOURNEY.