Theories & Techniques
Theories and Techniques used in Counseling
It can be helpful to know the techniques a counselor might use in session. I believe the most important aspect of therapy is the connection between the counselor and client. Over my nearly 30 years of experience, I’ve explored a variety of approaches and techniques, and I often draw from that toolbox to meet each client’s unique needs. The ones I rely on most frequently are Client-Centered Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Sandtray Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I’ve found these approaches consistently effective in helping my clients grow and heal.
Client-Centered Therapy
As a counselor who provides client-centered therapy, I prioritize the client’s unique experiences, perspectives, and goals in our work together. This approach is non-directive and empathetic, and I seek to create a safe and supportive space for my clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. I help them to identify their strengths and resources. I believe that my clients are the experts on their own lives and that it is my job to support and facilitate their process of growth and self-discovery. By providing client-centered therapy, I strive to create a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship that honors the client’s individuality and fosters personal growth and healing.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I work collaboratively with my clients to identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior that may be contributing to their mental health concerns. My approach involves helping clients develop more positive and realistic beliefs about themselves and the world around them, and teaching them strategies to manage and overcome challenges such as anxiety, depression, and stress. I value CBT as a structured and goal-oriented therapy that emphasizes skill-building and active participation by the client. Through CBT, I help my clients develop long-term coping skills that will support their mental health and well-being beyond the therapy sessions.
Sandtray Therapy
Sandtray Therapy is a therapeutic approach that involves using a tray of sand and miniature figurines to create a three-dimensional representation of a person’s internal world. Through this process, individuals can explore and process emotions, experiences, and relationships in a safe and nonverbal way. I use Sandtray Therapy with all ages, and many of my clients find it to be an extremely powerful therapeutic technique. I have completed extensive training and continuing education credits in Sandtray Therapy, including direct supervision, to deepen my skills and expertise in this modality.
Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative therapeutic approach that views the mind as composed of distinct "parts," each with its own thoughts, emotions, and intentions. As an IFS practitioner, I help clients explore and understand these parts, particularly the ones that may carry burdens from past experiences or trauma. The goal of IFS is to help clients access their core Self—a compassionate, curious, and confident state of being that can guide healing and growth. By fostering a nonjudgmental relationship between the Self, and the various parts, I work with clients to unburden painful emotions, resolve internal conflicts, and build greater harmony within themselves. This approach is collaborative and empowering, allowing clients to connect with their innate capacity for resilience and healing.
Client-Centered Therapy
Client-Centered Therapy
As a counselor who provides client-centered therapy, I prioritize the client’s unique experiences, perspectives, and goals in our work together. This approach is non-directive and empathetic, and I seek to create a safe and supportive space for my clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. I help them to identify their strengths and resources. I believe that my clients are the experts on their own lives and that it is my job to support and facilitate their process of growth and self-discovery. By providing client-centered therapy, I strive to create a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship that honors the client’s individuality and fosters personal growth and healing.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I work collaboratively with my clients to identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior that may be contributing to their mental health concerns. My approach involves helping clients develop more positive and realistic beliefs about themselves and the world around them, and teaching them strategies to manage and overcome challenges such as anxiety, depression, and stress. I value CBT as a structured and goal-oriented therapy that emphasizes skill-building and active participation by the client. Through CBT, I help my clients develop long-term coping skills that will support their mental health and well-being beyond the therapy sessions.
Sandtray Therapy
Sandtray Therapy
Sandtray Therapy is a therapeutic approach that involves using a tray of sand and miniature figurines to create a three-dimensional representation of a person’s internal world. Through this process, individuals can explore and process emotions, experiences, and relationships in a safe and nonverbal way. I use Sandtray Therapy with all ages, and many of my clients find it to be an extremely powerful therapeutic technique. As an Internationally Credentialed Sandtray Therapist, I have completed extensive training and continuing education credits in Sandtray Therapy, including direct supervision, to deepen my skills and expertise in this modality.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative therapeutic approach that views the mind as composed of distinct "parts," each with its own thoughts, emotions, and intentions. As an IFS practitioner who has completed the Level 1 Training Program through the IFS Institute, I help clients explore and understand these parts, particularly the ones that may carry burdens from past experiences or trauma. The goal of IFS is to help clients access their core Self—a compassionate, curious, and confident state of being that can guide healing and growth. By fostering a nonjudgmental relationship between the Self and the various parts, I work with clients to unburden painful emotions, resolve internal conflicts, and build greater harmony within themselves. This approach is collaborative and empowering, allowing clients to connect with their innate capacity for resilience and healing.
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