Reunification
I am experienced in providing support in the following types of reunification situations:
geographic separation from a close family member for an extended period of time;
readjustment to living with new family members who were not part of your previous/original family;
long term, and long distance separations, including international, with varying degrees of communication during the separation;
reunification after consensual estrangement;
reunification after one-sided estrangement;
contemplation of separation and/or reunification.
Chronic Illness & Chronic Pain
My understanding of the stress related to chronic illness and chronic pain is informed through my experiences providing psychotherapy services in the context of an integrated healthcare clinic. I have had the opportunity to work with diagnostically diverse clientele, including those who were faced with managing multiple medical issues and/or some type of pain issue. I have also provided support for clients who have had to manage recovery from dependence on prescribed medications. My approach is informed by what I have learned from all of these clients as well as from the general, and psychiatric medical providers who provided care.
Talent Development
Talent development involves a targeted approach to planning and following through on personal learning and growth. Creative flow occurs when we are able to achieve a state of energized focus. Sometimes anxiety and/or depression can make it hard for a person to plan and follow through on self development, whether for work or other purposes. Creative stagnation describes a situation where there is a lack of growth and focus. A person can become stuck. Therapeutic conversations (psychodynamic) can support the process of getting unstuck by discovering the root cause of creative stagnation, and managing contributing stressors in order to facilitate growing and flowing. My awareness of targeted approaches to personal learning and growth are informed by my experience consulting in talent development (prior to becoming a therapist).
Sexology
I am experienced and trained in the use of targeted, short-term strategies to resolve a variety of sexual issues. I prioritize working within the client's value system and have worked with people from diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds. Some of the issues I have helped people with include: women's issues; men's issues, infidelity; MSM; mismatched desire; client distress about their use of sexually explicit material; anxiety and depression in the context of transgender realization and "coming out"; worries about what is "normal" or "ok". I am also familiar with cultural polygamy, and non-monogamy. If your issue is outside my scope of practice/expertise, I know where to refer you.
Caregiver Support
I provide caregiver support for family members/caregivers of aging adults who are working through the emotional process of navigating assessment and care options for senior family members who need more support. There are a vartiety of options available, and the "best" option will be unique to each individual/family.
I also offer support for family members of adults who are managing bipolar, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and dual diagnoses. My extensive experience working with clients who are managing serious mental health issues and/or recovery informs my understanding of collaborative care, including the role of the family and other supportive people, temporary care transitions, relapse prevention, as well as the importance of leveraging community resources and opportunities for work and social connection.