What makes you different than other therapists?
I differ from a general therapist who works with a variety of psychological issues in that I have chosen to become an expert in one specific area. Anxiety is difficult to treat and often a general therapist doesn’t have the specialized training and skills it takes to treat these disorders effectively. I frequently have clients come to me after cycling through several different therapists without results; they are shocked when they receive results in a relatively short time working with me.
What methods are you trained in that separate you from a general therapist?
You will find many therapists who are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It’s a wonderful therapeutic modality that can be applied to a broad range of mental health issues. I use it myself quite often. While I have significant experience in general CBT, it’s the training and experience I have using subsets of CBT called Exposure Response and Prevention (ERP) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) that set me apart from a general practitioner. ERP is widely accepted as the most effective method in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as well as many other anxiety disorders. Prolonged Exposure is considered to be one of the most effective methods in treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Please visit my ERP and PE pages for more details.
Where did you receive your training?
I received my Bachelor’s from Colorado State University. I then received my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Denver. I received postgraduate training at the Mental Health Center of Denver and in various clinics and hospitals throughout the Denver Metro Area. After several years in general practice, I received specialized training in anxiety treatment from the University of Pennsylvania Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy. When appropriate I will refer you to a medical practitioner for a medication evaluation.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different for each individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs. For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, we will use Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) for treatment. If you come to me with trauma symptoms we will use a combination of Trauma Based CBT and Prolonged Exposure. Phobias, Generalized Anxiety and Social Anxiety are treated with Exposure Therapy and CBT. With all treatment, I also incorporate effective coping skills training for anxiety including deep breathing, mindfulness skills and stress reduction skills. Please visit my ERP and PE pages for more details.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place. On average, OCD treatment can take anywhere between 12-24 sessions using ERP and Trauma Treatment can take anywhere from 12-16 sessions using Prolonged Exposure. Generalized Anxiety, Stress, Phobias and Social Anxiety are more difficult to estimate due to the wide range of symptom severity. Once we meet and I can get a better idea of your unique situation/symptoms I can provide a better estimate.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I’m so glad you’re dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week or maybe two. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you achieve the results you are looking for.