Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: My Approach to Healing and Support

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the understanding that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors all influence one another. When someone is anxious, stressed, or feeling stuck, their mind may automatically leap to unhelpful or self-critical thoughts. CBT helps clients recognize these patterns and replace them with more realistic and supportive ways of thinking. Additionally, techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy can complement CBT by enhancing emotional regulation skills. Furthermore, EMDR therapy can also be beneficial for individuals dealing with trauma-related anxiety or depression. 

Clients learn skills such as:

- Challenging negative or fear-based thoughts

- Managing stress and overwhelming feelings

- Building confidence and motivation

- Practicing healthier behaviors that support emotional well-being

CBT is highly effective for anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues, offering tools that can be used in daily life long after sessions end.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a practical, skills-based approach that helps individuals manage intense emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and enhance relationships. It combines validation of emotions with the development of new strategies for navigating challenging situations. In addition to DBT, many individuals also explore EMDR therapy as a complementary method for processing trauma. 

DBT centers around four essential skills:

- Mindfulness: staying present and grounded

- Distress Tolerance: coping with crisis moments without exacerbating the situation

- Emotion Regulation: understanding and stabilizing significant emotional shifts

- Interpersonal Effectiveness: effective communication, establishing boundaries, and navigating conflict

By practicing DBT, individuals build emotional strength and resilience, empowering them to feel more in control of their reactions and relationships.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) are effective methods that help the brain reprocess distressing memories and experiences that may still affect life today. These therapies focus on how the brain stores trauma, allowing emotional pain to decrease while confidence and safety increase. Additionally, integrating techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy can further enhance emotional regulation and coping skills. 

Benefits include:

- Reduced anxiety and emotional reactivity

- Healing from past experiences without needing to relive details

- Replacing harmful beliefs (like “I’m not good enough”) with healthier ones

- Improved overall functioning and self-trust

These trauma-informed approaches are structured, efficient, and research-supported for both adolescents and adults.

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present rather than getting pulled into worries, regrets, or self-judgment. This approach is often utilized in therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and EMDR therapy, helping individuals recognize what they are feeling in the moment so they can respond intentionally instead of reacting automatically. 

Mindfulness can include: 

- Breathing and grounding techniques 

- Body and emotional awareness 

- Visualization and guided relaxation 

These practices help reduce anxiety, improve focus, strengthen emotional regulation, and support overall mental well-being.

 Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
A: You can easily schedule a session by clicking the “Book Now” or “Request Appointment” button on my website. Once you complete the brief intake form, you’ll receive a confirmation and access to your secure client portal for paperwork and payment setup.

Q: What happens during the first session?
A: The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We’ll review your intake information, discuss what brings you to therapy, and set goals for our work together. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with — we’ll move at your pace.

Q: Do you work with parents or caregivers during a child’s therapy?
A: Yes. For younger clients, I often include brief parent check-ins to discuss progress and ways to support growth at home. Sessions themselves remain a safe, confidential space for your child or teen.

Q: How do I prepare for my first telehealth session?
A: Find a quiet, private space where you can speak freely. Log in a few minutes early to test your connection. Headphones can help with focus and privacy. Bring water, a notepad if you like, and any questions or goals you’d like to discuss.

  Q: What types of therapy do you offer?
A: I offer evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Play Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Approaches. Each session is tailored to your needs, age, and goals.

Q: What issues do you help with?
A: I support clients working through anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief, self-esteem struggles, relationship or family stress, and life transitions. I also work with athletes and students navigating performance pressure and confidence concerns.

Q: What is your therapy style?
A: My approach is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I believe in helping clients build insight and practical coping tools while feeling truly seen and understood. Sessions often balance reflection with skill-building — gentle but effective growth at your pace.

Q: Do you offer EMDR for children and teens?
A: Yes! I use developmentally appropriate EMDR techniques, often incorporating art, play, or movement to help younger clients process experiences safely and effectively.

Q: How long are sessions and how often will we meet? 

A: Standard sessions are 50 minutes. Frequency is typically weekly or biweekly at the start, then adjusted based on progress. We offer both Dialectical Behavior Therapy and EMDR therapy to suit your needs. 

Q: Where are you located for in-person sessions? 

A: 9114 58th Dr E, Bradenton FL - across from Woodland Church in Bradenton. 

Q: What if I need to cancel?

 A: Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid a late cancellation fee. Same-day cancellations or no-shows are billed at the session rate and are not covered by insurance. ($135)

Q: Do you offer evening or weekend appointments? 

A: Limited times are available. Ask about current openings.

 Q: What insurance do you accept?
A: I am currently in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Oscar, Oxford, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare, and AvMed. I also accept Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) — please see the Insurance page for more details or contact me directly to confirm your specific plan.

Q: What are your session fees?
A: For clients using private pay, session rates are:

• Initial intake session: $150
• Ongoing sessions: $135
   

Payment is due at the time of service. A debit or credit card is securely stored on file through the client portal for easy billing. I do offer a same-day pay discount. 

Q: What if you’re not in-network with my insurance?
A: If I am not in-network with your plan, I can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement under your out-of-network benefits.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid a late cancellation fee. Same-day cancellations or no-shows are billed at the session rate and are not covered by insurance ($135).

Q: Do you offer a sliding scale or reduced rates?
A: A limited number of reduced-fee appointments may be available based on financial need. Please reach out directly to discuss current openings or options.

Q: How long does therapy take to help? 

A: Many clients notice early benefits within a few sessions of therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy or EMDR therapy, such as feeling understood and learning practical skills. Sustainable change varies by goals, history, and consistency of practice. 

Q: Will I have homework or skills to practice? 

A: Often yes. Brief, practical exercises between sessions, especially in the context of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, accelerate progress and help you apply skills in real life.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, trauma-focused therapy that aids in reprocessing distressing memories, making them feel less intense and less defining. In session, you remain fully present and in control while we utilize bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, to support the brain’s natural healing system. EMDR therapy is supported by decades of research, including numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses that demonstrate significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and related anxiety. Major health organizations, including the American Psychological Association (APA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/DoD, and the World Health Organization (WHO), recognize EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma. Many clients describe the outcome this way: the memory is still present, but the emotional charge and negative self-beliefs lose their grip. In addition to EMDR, many individuals also benefit from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which complements trauma-focused approaches by enhancing emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.