My specialty area is individual cognitive-behavioral online psychotherapy for the treatment of anxiety disorders, unipolar (non-bipolar) depression, and trauma- and stress-related disorders. My goal is to provide high-quality, state-of-the-art treatment with kindness, support, and respect.
My therapeutic approach is active and uses research-proven treatments when possible. This is effective for motivated individuals and helps establish long-term stable recovery. As a psychiatrist, I prescribe medication when appropriate, but do not emphasize the use of medications in my practice. In most cases, I carry out my own psychotherapy with my patients rather than splitting treatment with a non-medical psychotherapist.
Tele-mental health:
Serenity and Strength LLC is a 100% tele-mental health service. I do not have a clinical office and cannot see patients in person. There are a number of advantages to online mental health services including access from anywhere in the state of Oregon, saving time driving to appointments, and enhanced confidentiality.
Psychotherapy:
Among my most common psychotherapy approaches are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and compassion-focused psychotherapy (CFT). These therapies are primarily here-and-now skill-building strategies.
CBT has hundreds of outcome studies demonstrating effectiveness for many problems and conditions, including anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive-related disorders, trauma- and stress-related disorders, and depression. There is now quite a bit of information about what cognitive and behavioral strategies work for which problem.
ACT is a relative newcomer to the psychotherapy world. Although new, it incorporates ideas that have been around for thousands of years. ACT combines acceptance and mindfulness strategies with commitment and behavior change strategies. ACT is sometimes more flexible and efficient than current conventional CBT approaches. ACT now has many studies demonstrating effectiveness.
FAP is a treatment developed initially at the University of Washington. It is a way of doing other therapies, such as CBT and ACT, that can enhance outcomes. FAP is a behavioral therapy that focuses on improving the quality of relationships, both our relationship in the sessions with each other and relationships outside the session in daily life.
CPT is a time-limited and structured method for treating post-traumatic stress disorder. In this approach, you do not have to talk about the trauma, but you do need to address how the trauma affects you in the present. I also have training in prolonged exposure for PTSD and EMDR for PTSD. I find Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) adapts well to online tele-mental health services.
CFT is a newer therapy focused on cultivating self-compassion and compassion for others rather than self-criticism. Self-judgment turns on the threat circuits in the brain – perpetuating stress, anxiety, and shame. Learning self-compassion activates the safety circuits in the brain and leads to a greater sense of peace and well-being
Medications:
Hundreds of studies demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of medications for treating numerous conditions. Some people who come in are already taking medications, and some are not. I view medications as a tool to help facilitate other beneficial life changes rather than a stand-alone treatment. Whether or not medications are a part of treatment is decided individually. I want your thoughts, feelings, concerns, and preferences about medication use. I can offer my opinion. Together, we can develop an individual plan about the role of medicines in your treatment.
Partially due to the exclusive online nature of my practice, I cannot and do not prescribe controlled substances. Controlled substances include benzodiazepine sedatives (e.g., alprazolam, Xanax, clonazepam, Klonopin, lorazepam, Ativan, diazepam, Valium, and others), stimulant medication (e.g., Adderall, dextroamphetamine, Vyvanse, methylphenidate, Ritalin, and others), z-drugs (e.g., zolpidem, Ambien, zopiclone, Sonata), or any opioid pain medication. Although the COVID public health emergency permitted online prescribing of controlled substances, rules now require periodic in-person visits.
Other approaches and treatments:
Everyone is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to well-being and quality living. I keep an open mind about mental health treatments. I am always looking for helpful new approaches and treatments, even if they are outside my usual way of doing things or my current areas of expertise.
Other approaches I currently find very helpful include Motivational Interviewing (MI), which enhances motivation to make life changes; Positive Psychology, the science of increasing and maintaining well-being; Interpersonal and Emotional Processing, which helps with solving interpersonal problems and managing emotions; Compassionate Communication, a healthy way of approaching relationships and communication; and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, which focuses on unconscious processes.
I look for general approaches that are more effective, faster, and more accessible than my current way of doing things. For me, learning and improving in my work is something I value.