Areas of Practice
We'll begin with a thorough assessment to understand your experiences and how they might be impacting your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
You'll learn about the common cognitive and emotional reactions to trauma, helping you understand that these reactions are a natural response to an abnormal situation.
Together, we'll explore the thoughts and beliefs connected to the traumatic event. This involves identifying and challenging negative beliefs that contribute to distress.
In CPT, writing assignments are used to help process and challenge thoughts related to the trauma. These exercises aid in promoting cognitive flexibility and a new perspective.
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Instead of focusing on past problems, Solution-Focused Therapy directs attention to your desired future outcomes. We'll work together to envision the goals you want to achieve.
This approach recognizes your existing strengths, skills, and abilities. By harnessing these resources, we'll collaboratively find solutions that fit your unique situation.
Solution-Focused Therapy is designed to be efficient. We aim to help you achieve your goals in a relatively short period, making it suitable for addressing specific challenges and transitions.
Our sessions are highly interactive and collaborative. We'll work together to identify your goals, explore potential solutions, and create a clear path forward.
Brief Solutions-Focused Therapy
If you prefer in-person sessions rather than meeting via Zoom, I offer a more active approach to therapy known as walk and talk therapy. We'll walk along the San Francisco Bay Trail meeting at Lucretia Edwards Shoreline Park in Richmond, CA. Free parking is available in the cul-de-sac near the park. You set the pace on this paved, flat trail that is situated along the bay and includes beautiful views of the San Francisco skyline.
As we walk, we'll engage in meaningful conversations just like in traditional therapy sessions. You'll have the opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
The natural surroundings often inspire new perspectives and insights. The act of moving and being outdoors can help you access emotions and ideas that might be harder to tap into in an indoor setting.
Active Therapy (Walk and Talk Therapy)
We begin by discussing your goals and aspirations. What changes would you like to make? By clarifying your objectives, we set the foundation for our collaborative work.
Through empathetic listening and thoughtful questions, we delve into your thoughts and feelings regarding change. This process helps uncover your personal motivations and barriers.
As we explore your motivations, we'll work together to strengthen your commitment to change. This may involve highlighting the positive aspects of change and the potential rewards, as well as providing accountability.
We'll address any self-doubt or uncertainty you may have about making changes. By identifying your existing strengths and skills, we boost your confidence in your ability to overcome challenges.