Psychotherapy
I provide therapy services for individuals, couples & other relationship structures. My specialty is brief, focused work, although I have been known to take on longer-term clients. I offer phone sessions for clients outside Davis. Please contact me to set up an appointment, or for more information.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Many psychotherapists practice psychodynamic therapy. The root assumption of psychodynamic therapy is that symptoms and problems in the present have their roots in early experiences, and that exploring these early experiences will uncover unconscious material that will lead to resolution of symptoms. Therapy is typically long-term, and focuses on childhood and family. While this is an appropriate treatment for some people (especially those who are seeking insight into relationships), it is a frustrating process for many who are seeking help with current real-life problems. Psychodynamic therapy is seldom an effective treatment for people with depression, anxiety, or substance use issues.
I work from the opposite assumption: that problems in the present have solutions in the present. I practice cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on thoughts and actions. The basic idea is that the way we think and the things we do can create problems in our lives, and that by understanding the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we can open up avenues to solutions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is typically shorter-term, more interactive, and focuses on problem-solving. CBT has been repeatedly demonstrated to be the most effective form of therapy for depression, anxiety, and anger management.
I work from the opposite assumption: that problems in the present have solutions in the present. I practice cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on thoughts and actions. The basic idea is that the way we think and the things we do can create problems in our lives, and that by understanding the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we can open up avenues to solutions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is typically shorter-term, more interactive, and focuses on problem-solving. CBT has been repeatedly demonstrated to be the most effective form of therapy for depression, anxiety, and anger management.
Harm Reduction Counseling
Traditional approaches to substance abuse treatment have assumed that the only appropriate outcome of therapy is lifelong abstinence from all drugs and alcohol. This is based on a model which sees addiction is a disease from which one must recover.
In the real world, not every substance abuse problem is the same, and so not every problem requires the same treatment. People use alcohol and drugs for a variety of reasons, and some people develop problematic habits around substance use which interfere with their lives and the lives of those around them. Harm reduction treatment focuses on the harm caused by the drug or alcohol problem, and how to minimize that harm. Abstinence is one possible outcome among many in this model.
In the real world, not every substance abuse problem is the same, and so not every problem requires the same treatment. People use alcohol and drugs for a variety of reasons, and some people develop problematic habits around substance use which interfere with their lives and the lives of those around them. Harm reduction treatment focuses on the harm caused by the drug or alcohol problem, and how to minimize that harm. Abstinence is one possible outcome among many in this model.
Sex Therapy
In addition to general therapy, I provide sex therapy. I have worked with a broad variety of clients of all orientations & identifications on a wide range of sexual concerns, including individual sexual dysfunctions and couples’ sexuality. Please contact me to set up an appointment, or to schedule a phone consultation to see if I am a good match for your concerns.
Over their lifetimes, many people will experience some kind of sexual problem. Common problems include erectile dysfunctions, difficulty achieving orgasm, premature ejaculation, and problematic sexual behavior. Couples often report difficulty with different levels of sexual desire, different sexual interests, or just infrequent sex.
Most sexual problems respond very well to brief, focused sex therapy, usually involving a few sessions of assessment and then specific exercises given as “homework.” Professional sex therapy does NOT involve any touching or sexual contact with the therapist or in the office.
Over their lifetimes, many people will experience some kind of sexual problem. Common problems include erectile dysfunctions, difficulty achieving orgasm, premature ejaculation, and problematic sexual behavior. Couples often report difficulty with different levels of sexual desire, different sexual interests, or just infrequent sex.
Most sexual problems respond very well to brief, focused sex therapy, usually involving a few sessions of assessment and then specific exercises given as “homework.” Professional sex therapy does NOT involve any touching or sexual contact with the therapist or in the office.
Alternative Sexualities
It can be difficult to talk openly about sexual issues with a therapist who is unfamiliar with your issues, your life, your sexuality, and your community. Many clients have concerns around sexual orientation, identification, and practices.
I have extensive experience working with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual clients, as well as transsexual and genderqueer clients. I have also worked for many years with clients in the BDSM / leather and polyamory communities.
I have extensive experience working with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual clients, as well as transsexual and genderqueer clients. I have also worked for many years with clients in the BDSM / leather and polyamory communities.