About the Treatment

​I provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where we can explore the areas of life that you want to improve. My approach is goal-oriented. Once we have identified areas for work, we will work together to help you build tools that you can use in your day-to-day life to make positive changes. In addition, we will measure your progress so we can determine if our chosen approach is leading to results. 

​As a research scientist, I believe strongly in using scientific research to inform therapy. I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - or CBT - an umbrella term for evidence-based treatments based on the idea that behaviors, thoughts and feelings all impact each other. CBT treatments use this model as a road map to positive change.

I have expertise treating a wide range of problems with evidence-based therapy.  I specialize in treating post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; scroll down for more), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD; scroll down for more), specific phobias (e.g. claustrophobia, fear of spiders), social anxiety, generalized anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

You have expertise in your life, what has been difficult for you, and what you’d like to change. We will bring our expertise together to help you move forward.
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Sometimes people want to change things that don’t fit neatly into a category like “specific phobia” or "depression." That’s ok... we can still use science-based methods to help you identify the changes you want to make, and work together towards making those changes.​

Treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

​There are several treatments for PTSD that have strong research showing that they are effective. Of these, I provide two gold standard treatments for PTSD: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). 

Cognitive Processing Therapy or CPT 

CPT focuses on identifying and changing thoughts and beliefs that have been shaped by one or more trauma experiences. We will pay special attention to thoughts related to these five themes: Safety, Power & Control, Trust, Esteem, and Intimacy. Note, this treatment does not require telling the story of the trauma. 

I love providing CPT because it is a very powerful treatment, and people generally achieve significant relief from their symptoms that really changes their day-to-day experience.  

CPT Links:
This American Life - Ten Sessions - a first-hand account of someone completing, and benefitting from, a shortened and condensed version of CPT. Note - I typically provide CPT in 12 sessions or more weekly sessions, as it was originally developed, although shorter versions are supported by research.

Quick VA video about CPT - a brief description of CPT's approach

Prolonged Exposure Therapy or PE 
PE conceptualized PTSD as a fear of memories, and allows people to confront the feared memories in a safe and contained environment. Like CPT, PE has been shown to be incredibly effective, with people achieving short and long-term relief from symptoms. 

PE Links: 
A Dateline segment about PE - including interviews with clients and Edna Foa, the creator of PE

Quick VA video about PE - a brief description of PE's approach to PTSD treatment


Please reach out if you would like to tell me what's going on with you and discuss how we can approach the issue together.  

Treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
The gold standard treatment for treating OCD is Exposure & Response Prevention or ERP.

This approach involves identifying OCD symptoms, increasing awareness about OCD obsessions and compulsions, and using an exposure framework to challenge your fears, while not engaging in compulsions. 

Through this approach, clients gain mastery over their symptoms, regaining control of their thoughts and actions. 

Once client's understand the approach through their own experience, clients can learn to become their own therapist, designing and conducting exposures, and planning how to prevent future OCD symptoms. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be used alongside ERP to augment treatment. 

Related issues, including hair pulling (Trichotillomania) and skin picking (excoriation disorder), use a similar approach, with techniques specific to a clients current challenges.

OCD Links: 
The International OCD Foundation has a wonderful website, with many helpful resources to learn about OCD and OCD treatment, including ERP and ACT approached to OCD treatment. 

Please reach out if you would like to tell me what's going on with you and discuss how we can approach the issue together.  

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