Cognitive Behavior Therapy focuses on becoming aware of the thoughts we have, and then actively, intentionally working toward changing them to what we want to have affect us. When we become aware of the "Inner Critic" and what it's telling us, we usually become aware of the very negative things it focuses on. These thoughts cause us to take actions consistent with those thoughts. These behaviors usually then create an outcome that is negative, which in turn reinforces our negative feelings, which then keep us in that negative thinking cycle. CBT utilizes very specific skills to change this pattern and instead create a new way of relating to ourselves and the world around us, leading to new behviors, that then create a positive outcome that assists us in feeling happier and more empowered in our lives.

Solution Focused Therapy is an approach that utilizes a great deal of creative thinking. After identifying what the problem or issue is, the focus will shift to coming up for solutions to that problem. It will be important to challenge current limiting thoughts that keep a person focused on what isn't working (versus thinking about what is needed in order to have things work). It is often the therapist's job to "challenge" or confront the person on these limiting thoughts, so that the person can move out of the "box" of limitations and instead embrace a stance of Empowerment (rather than holding on to anger, resentment and being "right"). This process leaves the person feeling hopeful and ready to move forward toward resolution. 

Having Healthy Boundaries (Self-Care Limitations - both with others, as well as with ourselves) is probably the single most impactful concept that I have been able to give people in their journey to positive mental health. I often say that if we could teach this is the schools to all the children, that it would make a HUGE difference in the positive functioning of life for many. To have this concept be useful it is important to work on that basic belief that "I MATTER". When a person finally takes this on he/she is more likely to make healthy choices from this healthy place. Then, the next step is to "touch-in" with themselves on what is needed in that moment to take care of themselves. After some practice the person begins to understand where their boundaries are and how to communicate and impliment them effectively. After the person gets to this point, he/she will often come in to my office confused, saying "Everyone in my life has changed! We're getting along, and life is working!" When I explain that what they are talking about is a natural outcome for having Healthy Boundaries in place, they get it and are excited to continue!

For my Masters Thesis and Project, I did an extensive amount of research on the brain and how it works. My fascination with the brain had taken me in to the world of Neuroscience where I found out that over 80% of the brain is geared toward survival (developing from the back-forward = starting with respiration, digestion and circulation, then going all the way to emotions and the meaning we place on every experience we have). The only part of the brain geared towards THRIVING (rather than surviviing) is the Frontal Lobe, also called the "Executive Functioner". It is designed to "take it all in to consideration" and make the final (conscious) choices about how to proceed in any situation. The survival brain, however, does not like to let go of control (which is it's design). So, through education and various specific exercises I walk my clients through how to gain that control over that part of themselves that wants to keep them stressed, anxious, and worried so that it can stay in survival mode. People, after going through this process of self-discovery, have indicated that they feel a "huge weight" has come off of them, and they are now free to reprogram their brains so they can truly enjoy life!