Elders (65+) Therapists in Charlottesville, VA

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in anxiety and depressive disorders in adolescents and adults. I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UVA in 2012. I work from an evidence-based perspective to treat problems such as anxiety (e.g., general anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, phobias), depression, trauma, substance use, and stress from life, career, or relationship problems/transitions. I integrate evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (including Mindfulness-Based strategies), and Emotion Regulation skills.

Our first focus will be to build a relationship in which you feel safe and connected. Then we'll find a pace of working together that allows us to pay attention to what’s working well for you and what's getting in your way. This early joining creates a solid ground from which we can work together to help you increase your awareness, accept and trust yourself, explore your needs, build and strengthen skills, and settle yourself when facing a difficult time.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or stuck in old patterns that are no longer serving you? Navigating life’s challenges can be stressful, especially if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or issues related to past trauma. You do not have to figure it out alone! I believe authentic human connection is one of the most powerful resources available to us and that true healing happens within the context of our relationships. I am passionate about working with people to help them discover potential and make positive changes that will help them have better relationships and lead more fulfilling lives.

Are you struggling with memories of trauma or current stressors that make it difficult for you to relax or connect with others? I value evidence-based practice, treatments that have shown to be effective at improving symptoms and enhancing quality of life. I believe that a successful therapy experience is growth-oriented, with clients gaining new perspectives and developing new coping strategies to thrive.

Problems are not "just in our heads." Problems affect our bodies, too. We respond to them through our thoughts, feelings, and actions. I believe that "talk therapy" is important. I also believe it is important to work beyond this modality in order to give people an opportunity to integrate cognitions, feelings, and the body. This allows people to release old patterns so they can act on experiences in new, more effective ways - and change becomes possible.

Clients coming to see me are generally in one of three categories: 1) People who are unhappy and know why. They have experienced loss, mistreatment, oppression, trauma, major illness, discrimination, or other experiences that they identify as the source of their distress. 2) People who are unhappy and don't know why. They may feel depressed, anxious, or dissatisfied with their lives and not know the reason. 3) People who feel okay but want to come to life more fully and feel even better.

I help individuals find desired change, relief, and insight by increasing understanding and awareness of their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I teach practical coping skills and guide clients in reprocessing distressing experiences and memories. With a mindfulness and strength-based approach, one technique I offer, as needed, is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing). Through this work together, you'll connect more with your inner, positive voice and truths, and decrease automatic behaviors and thoughts that make "small" issues feel overwhelming, that cause "freezing" or fighting. This results in more comfort with yourself and more confidence with other people or situations.