Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) emphasizes utilizing compassion to understand yourself and the people around you. It’s a good option for people dealing with shame or self-criticism that causes emotional distress.
Developing compassion for yourself and others requires practice. Practicing self-compassion exercises can help you manage shame and guilt, which can help you develop compassion for the people around you.
Do you find yourself stuck, or struggling somehow? I believe that people are doing the best they can, with the experiences and knowledge that they have. Sometimes, however, life throws so much at you that it overwhelms your ability to cope, and you might find yourself on a website like this one, saying, "maybe I need a therapist?" Whether you know exactly what's wrong (like a challenging...
I believe the most influential part of the therapeutic process is the relationship between the client and therapist. I could continue to go to school, and put more letters behind my name, but that won’t mean anything if my clients don’t feel safe, connected, and comfortable. I believe that all of us, at any point in time, can become “stuck.” I welcome your calls to see if we will be a good fit,...
The act of coming to therapy is a brave one, and you should commend yourself for doing it – you are taking proactive steps to create the life you want. I view therapy as an opportunity for you to evaluate the stories you and others tell about who you are, identify the storylines that are not serving you, and construct new narratives that focus on your strengths which can help you take a more...
The circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic are difficult and may be adding to stressors you were facing before the pandemic became a challenge in our lives. If you are looking to address relationships, circumstances, thoughts, emotions, or health difficulties, clinical therapy can help. My approach provides clients with an opportunity to gain better understanding and tolerance of complex...
My clients come to therapy because they are in transition, grappling with complex issues, or generally wanting to get more out of life. They are finding therapy to be an effective way to achieve the changes and growth they desire. Their concerns range from finding and maintaining/improving healthy intimate relationships to reducing stress, making better decisions, and finding more happiness in ...
Clients walk in my door because they want something to change. They want to worry less, drink less, be more motivated, have closer connections... They may have attempted various remedies for these issues, but, somehow, nothing has improved. Often clients say they feel stuck, in a rut, or that they just don't feel like themselves. In my initial meeting with a client I am often moved to acknowled...
Thank you for viewing my profile! I am President and Clinical Director of Suffolk Psychotherapy Inc, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), Chaplain and former EMT. I have had the privilege of providing therapeutic services to veterans at the Hampton VA Medical Center. As a Counselor with National Counseling Group and the Norfolk CSB, I assiste...
If you are dealing with any of these issues (depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual, physical or emotional abuse, anger management, marital and family conflict, job related stress) I am confident that in a strong therapeutic collaboration with me, your treatment goals will be met. I use a strengths based approach with the understanding that for successful therapy the client needs to have active...
I work with individuals, couples, and families to address a range of concerns including mood disorders, eating disorders, complex trauma and substance use. My specialties include working with youth & adults to address substance use and self-harm, working with illness and chronic pain, grief and loss with a focus on cancer and the journey post treatment as well as problematic gambling and its...
My approach to therapy is based on the idea that each person has gifts, passions and skills that can be tapped into to guide them toward an authentic, value-based life. My goal is to partner with you to provide a safe, non-judgmental space that allows for reflection, healing from past emotional wounds, and growth by establishing new coping skills to replace old patterns of thinking and behaving...
The world is changing rapidly and so are we. You may find yourself questioning, seeking clarity around your identity, belief systems or aspects of your life such as relationships or career. Struggles with negative thoughts and self-limiting beliefs can leave you feeling lost or stuck. Unresolved issues from the past may be surfacing and creating discomfort, physically and mentally. If you are...
There’s no greater joy for me than when I can make a difference in the lives of my clients. I feel a deep sense of privilege to work with individuals who may have never been able to share their personal stories or experiences with anyone else. I hope I can provide you with a chance to feel relief and empowerment from telling your story and knowing your voice is heard. I provide my clients with ...
Life is a journey and many times it is not easy. My goal and purpose in counseling is to help my clients through the challenges and crises of life. In those difficult times it is hard to be objective and make the best decisions for ourselves and others. The counseling process can provide new objective perspectives and understanding. I listen, understand, stay calm and am not judgmental. Since w...
From the outside, it looks like you have it all together. At least, that is the hope, right? What they can't see is you frantically working to keep all of the plates twirling in the air and praying you don't let a single plate crash. You work hard, you are dedicated, and you are good at what you do. It is exhausting though and you aren't sure how much longer you can do this. You have had period...
As a former first responder, Andrea has many years of lived and work experience of the effects of trauma and PTSD. She has worked with people of all ages to overcome life's obstacles, substance abuse, difficult emotions, loss, and grief. Her practice includes a mindfulness-based approach and deep cultural sensitivity. Meeting your personal goals of gaining awareness of thoughts, feelings, and...
