Family therapy presents a powerful opportunity to foster positive change not only within one's family system, but also within oneself. 

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Extensive research into developmental theories (including attachment theory) reveals the importance of the first decade of life on forming a sense of self and how to relate to others. What we learn in these years continues throughout life. The family environment is a central part in how these dynamics form.

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Family therapy presents opportunities to heal attachment ruptures as well as develop stronger sense of self through improving the quality of interpersonal relationship and shifting one's functional role in the family system.

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My approach to family therapy is rooted in Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), Schema Therapy (ST), Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and Bowen Family Systems Therapy (BFST).

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ABFT is an evidence-based therapy that addresses problematic parent-child relationship dynamics that contribute to adolescent and young adult "internalizing disorders" (e.g., depression, suicide, trauma, anxiety). ABFT emerged from interpersonal theories and "is a trust-based, emotion-focused psychotherapy model that aims to repair interpersonal ruptures and rebuild an emotionally protective, secure-based parent–child relationship."

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ST is an evidence-based therapy that addresses how early maladaptive schemas (problematic life patterns) and modes (behavior that emerges when schemas are triggered) lead to conflict in marital and other family relationships. By addressing "mode clashes" and underlying unmet core needs that contribute to schemas and modes, family members can reduce conflict and improve the quality of their relationships.

SPACE is an evidence-based therapy that addresses the role parents unwittingly play in maintaining a child's anxiety, OCD or similar condition. This parent-based therapy helps parents see how "family accommodation" influences child behavior and coaches parents to modify their actions in ways that result in improving their child's sense of self and wellbeing.

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BFST views the family as an emotional unit in which the behavior and functioning of any one member cannot be viewed in isolation from the rest of the unit (and each of its members). Only when each family member can own his or her part of the family problem can true progress be made. The work of therapy involves examining the impact of complex interlocking family relationships (including emotional triangles), managing one's emotional reactivity in charged relationships, and developing a stronger sense of self. 

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I am a Level II trained ABFT therapist currently working toward full certification with the ABFT Training Program at ABFT International.

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I am an Advanced Certified Schema Therapist, Supervisor and Trainer. 

I am a trained SPACE provider offering SPACE through parent-therapy as well as multiple-family group therapy.

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I completed 4 years of advanced clinical training in Family Systems Theory and Psychotherapy at The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family in Georgetown.