Talk and Play Sessions

Office-based sessions use the following therapeutic modalities

 
 

The Therapeutic Relationship

I emphasize the importance of building a strong relationship as the foundation for meaningful therapeutic work. A trusting alliance between therapist and youth determines whether or not our time together will be a helpful and transformative experience.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills

DBT is balanced on the core concepts of acceptance and change. DBT skills – falling into the categories of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness – encourage us to act in an effective way that is in accordance with our values. The philosophy and skills can be incredibly helpful for all individuals and form a backbone of my practice.

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy

Awareness of our external and internal environments is the key to unlocking insight, choice, and a reduction of suffering through presence with what is here now. I help the youth I work with develop an ability to identify thoughts, emotions, and feelings as well as how they connect to our perceptions of the external world.

Creativity and Play

Creativity and play are foundational to building a relationship. In addition to aiding the process of creating an alliance, these concepts provide an opportunity to practice skills and apply therapeutic techniques.

Additional Evidence-Based Psychotherapies

I incorporate other therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and behavioral principles, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Exposure/Response Prevention Therapy when relevant.

Sports Therapy

For many boys and young men, the field or court are spaces where identity is developed and mental skills are practiced. As a coach I’ve participated in transformational experiences with many young people who would never think to step foot into a counseling office. The court or field become spaces of growth for youth interested in connecting through the practice of basketball or baseball.

Music Therapy

I grew up around music. From driving with my dad to jazz rehearsals as a toddler, to playing in my own groups, recording albums, and teaching K-12 students, music has been a constant structure in my life. The artform can be a pathway to connection, expression, a life of meaning, and healing. I would not be who I am today, nor would I have navigated my own struggles with mental health, without music. I aim to share similarly profound experiences with youth who choose to use this structure in our work together.

Nature Therapy

We are nourished when we connect to the natural world. This is intrinsic wisdom that dominant Western culture has not embraced. Direct experience of nature is critical to our health as global citizens; it can be a needed antidote to today’s mental health crises. More recent academic research in this area supports the many mental health benefits of time spent in nature. I aim to share these benefits with youth who choose to use this structure in our work together.

Let’s grow together

The consultation form gives you an opportunity to share some information relevant to our work together. I will be in touch with you as soon as I am able to discuss our fit and next steps.

Regarding fees: I have a standard session fee for individual sessions. I also offer sliding-scale pricing based on a combination of socio/economic factors. One of my goals is to offer equitable services to folks who have experienced discriminatory barriers to identity-affirming care. I provide invoices/superbills upon request.