Psychosis and Schizophrenia

I have received specialized training in CBT for Psychosis. I have worked in community mental health, a psychiatric hospital, and a residential facility where individuals experience psychosis regularly. This approach is helpful for individuals who have some insight, support, and/or want to learn how to manage psychosis in more ways than just medication.

In my practice I specialize solely in psychosis and clinical high risk for psychosis using an evidence based CBT approach. Labels and specific diagnosis are irrelevant. I take a person centered, truly collaborative approach to help you overcome your distress and achieve your goals.

I specialize in working with those who have both positive and negative symptoms. I am educated in psychotropic medication management and am available to advocate for proper care.

When symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, begin we can often recognize them as worrisome and questionable. As time passes, however, locked into this mind space of fearful questioning, these symptoms can progress and overtake in a debilitating way. With medication + therapy, one can learn the skills necessary to process and manage these thoughts and experiences, and with ample support it is completely possible to live a meaningful and fulfilling existence.

I have 6 years of experience working with chronic severe mental illness in both outpatient and inpatient environments using evidence-based therapies. I highly value opportunities for educating folks in recovery about their symptoms, ways of maintaining both physical & emotional wellness, reducing stigma, and instilling the importance of peer connection. I am able to offer support with both sensitivity and compassionate thought challenging.

Supporting individuals and families to manage symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and agitations while maintaining healthy, supportive relationships.

In graduate school I researched the connection between trauma and psychosis. I created a treatment modality for treating first acute episodes of psychosis in adolescents. Utilizing the research of John Weir Perry and the theories of Carl Jung, my approach is non-pathologizing. I assist adolescents in understanding the connection to the themes in their delusions and hallucinations and their adverse life experience. By connecting the unconscious symbolism in the altered state experience into their conscious understanding, adolescents will be able to heal from their trauma and will be better able to develop coping skills to manage those experiences when they occur. I utilize mindfulness to assist them in developing skills to regulate their anxiety in response to the experiences. Combined this usually results in a decrease in symptoms.

Let me help you to live a more happy and fulfilling life.

I've gained years of experience working in community psych hospital settings and at the VA (Veterans Administration) where I worked with individuals experiencing serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI). SPMI effects every aspect of your life. It takes constant work but you can recover and sustain a fulfilling life. Sessions will include addressing your barriers to recovery and actively working to tap into your highest potential.

I have worked with people with psychosis spectrum disorders in clinical settings for 10 years. I am committed to reducing stigma and maximizing recovery in clients experiencing psychosis. I work to increase early intervention, when symptoms are vague and sometimes not recognized as psychosis, so that clients can reduce the impact this illness has on their life. That said, I love working with people regardless of what stage of illness they are in.

I specialize in treating young adults within their first episode of psychosis, often times after a recent hospitalization or as they begin to adjust to their life following a diagnosis. With this population, I understand the nuances of psychosis but also recognize they are still navigating the normal stressors of this age (college, family, relationships, etc). I also enjoy providing family therapy and education to families and loved ones of this population.

I've been a practitioner at an Early Onset of Psychosis Program for the past 5 years. I'm trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis. Please note that treatment for psychosis entails forming a treatment team, and at the very least require that you participate with a Psychiatrist.