I want to offer you the most life changing tools and practices available. EMDR, mindfulness, and cognitive therapy are the most effective methods I know of in the field of psychology today. All three of these methods focus on our thought processes. Our thoughts are directly linked to our emotions and health; and how we view ourselves, our lives, and our relationships.

What is cognitive therapy?

Our minds are like kaleidescopes. Turn your thoughts ever so slightly in another direction and everything changes!

Cognitive therapy works by changing the thoughts and meanings our minds make based on past conditioning. CBT offers tools to change the screens through which we view ourselves, our lives and relationships. Once learned, these tools provide a means of changing negative emotions and averting destructive moods and behavior.

My approach to cognitive therapy is influenced by new research in the field of neuroplasticity; and the works of Bruce Lipton, Candace Pert, and Byron Katie.

Mindfulnes-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy pairs  mindfulness philosophy and practice with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. 

Most of us fall into habitual patterns of thought that, frequently, do not support us. We create whole movies in our minds of what is going on around us. Often, when we have been wounded by life circumstances, our conditioned minds make decisions based on 'stories' we create about our painful moments and we create more pain for ourselves.

Discovering we are in control of our thoughts  and stories can come as a relief. Changing them can turn everything around.              

Who benefits from cognitive therapy?

Cognitive therapy is beneficial for anyone wanting to raise life challenges to higher ground: those seeking help with stress management, raising self esteem (building self compassion) and working with career, relationship, and communication issues. Research has shown cognitive behavioral therapy to be particularly beneficial for people experiencing depression or anxiety.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for couples

The goal of mindfulness psychotherapy paired with cognitive therapy for couples is authentic relationship. Learning to communicate mindfully can help build the bridge to authentic relationship.

Relationships can be viewed from a perspective of starting a new chapter rather than trying to correct all the 'wrongs' of the past. If there is a hurdle from the past that can't seem to be crossed, I recommend using EMDR.

Addressing old patterns and beliefs that may be draining the energy from the relationship restores aliveness. Practicing loving kindness and acceptance brings peace and harmony.

Quotes:                                                      

Most peope spend their entire life imprisoned within the confines of their own thoughts. They never go beyond a narrow, mind-made, personalized sense of self that is conditioned by the past.       -Eckhart Tolle

We can contol our lives by controling our perceptions.                    -Bruce Lipton

If you have a problem, it can only be because of your unquestioned thinking. -Byron Katie

Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!      -from Auntie Mame