My Approach to Therapy

The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modality is based on the scientific understanding that emotions are created by thoughts; thus to change an emotion the thought must change. CBT therapists teach clients coping skills to stabilize and reduce the intensity of emotions, gently challenge clients to reframe thoughts to create lasting change, and utilize “homework” to assist clients in continuing therapy outside of the therapeutic session. CBT has been utilized as a clinically sound therapeutic modality since its inception in the 1960’s.

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Motivational Interviewing (MI) assists clients who are uncertain in making change, yet do not feel content in their current decisions and circumstances. MI is useful in helping clients to understand their own uncertainty, explore potential outcomes of change, weigh the pros and cons of change, and to take steps toward change.

 

Andrea utilizes a client-centered approach. She believes each client ‘knows themselves best’; they are the experts on their life. Additionally, clients direct the goals for therapy and the approach for therapy. 

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Andrea also utilizes a trauma-informed approach. She recognizes most clients who are in therapy have experienced some form of trauma. Andrea is sensitive to their experiences, as well as understanding that experiences form our understanding of the world and our behavior in it.