10300 49th Street N, | Suite 112
Clearwater, FL 33762
Specializing in Addiction Recovery, Positive Psychology and Trauma Resolution
Addiction Recovery
​Recovery from a substance use disorder is defined as a process of improved physical, psychological, and social well-being and health after having suffered from a substance-related condition. Due to the chronic nature of substance use disorder, the risk of relapse remains elevated even after long periods without symptoms. It can take a while to adapt to the demands of recovery, even after treatment. Continuing care and support for individuals in recovery therefore remains important for years following active addiction, and not just days or months. Compared to many other medical and psychiatric illnesses, substance use disorder is associated with a good prognosis. If you are struggling with Addiction, I can help!
Positive Psychology
​Positive psychology has been described in many ways and with many words, but the commonly accepted definition of the field is this: “Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living” (Peterson, 2008). Essentially, Positive Psychology is a scientific approach to studying human thoughts, feelings, and behavior, with a focus on strengths instead of weaknesses. I use this framework in my practice to build on the good in life instead of repairing the bad, and taking the lives of my patients up to “great” instead of focusing solely on moving away from struggle up to “normal.” We enter therapy because life became "bad" or in some way unmanageable. I choose to focus on the "good" and will help you get back to that state and flourish in your approach to life!
Emotional Regulation
​Emotion regulation is the ability to exert control over one’s own emotional state. It may involve behaviors such as rethinking a challenging situation to reduce anger or anxiety, adapting to signs and symptoms of sadness or fear, and focusing on reasons to feel happy or calm. While there are many ways to influence one’s emotional state for the better, emotion regulation often involves a process called reappraisal which helps change how you think about something in order to change your resulting response. I can help you with mindful acceptance of emotions, shifting attention away from the source of negative emotions, and reframing emotional situations as opportunities to learn and move forward differently.
Trauma
Trauma can be an ongoing pervasive problem. It results from exposure to an incident or series of events that are emotionally disturbing or perceived as life-threatening. Unresolved trauma has lasting adverse effects on the individual's functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, and/or spiritual well-being. Trauma can make you more vulnerable to developing mental health problems if left untreated.
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I am certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) which is a brief trauma therapy that uses eye movement techniques to out-process and disassociate the negative physical, emotional and sensational responses we might have when recalling traumatic events or experiences from our pasts. It is a profound existentially based therapeutic approach used to alleviate residual and unwanted post-trauma responses and ultimately free ourselves from the impact trauma has had on the way in which we respond and interact with the world around us and how it continues to affect those we love.