Psychotherapy and Counseling
Childhood and past life experiences naturally influence a person’s present behavior, emotions and health. A person may have used coping skills to deal with difficult life circumstances that worked then, but are now unhealthy habits; and despite attempts to do so, s/he finds difficult to change.
Individual Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy utilizes therapeutic approaches for treating mild-to-severe mental distress and disorders. It begins by establishing a trusting relationship between myself and a client to understand the typically complex nature of issues, and facilitate changes that enable her/him to experience greater health and happiness.
There are many types of psychotherapy. Caren has acquired many skills over 40 years and uses eclectic approach that prioritizes a clients needs and goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one type of commonly used psychotherapy based on the understanding that a person’s thoughts cause her/his feelings and behaviors. What this means is that a person can change the way s/he thinks to reverse unhealthy behavioral patterns for the better.
Psychotherapy also recognize the role of genetics and biology in the formation of problems, and uses that information in treatment planning and goal-setting.
Family Counseling
Family counseling is a therapeutic process that promotes better relationships and understanding within a family. It can help a person find new ways to positively communicate with her/his family members, and to make adjustments to challenges affecting the entire family.
Typically, family counseling occurs with all members present. My responsibility is to understand the interactions between a client and her/his family members, and to facilitate communication, conflict resolution and problem-solving.
Marital and Couples Counseling
I have specialized advanced training in working with couples. After assessing the challenges a couple is facing, I help them to improve their communication skills and to work together on the specific issues causing conflict. The result is that the couple regains or develops a healthier, more balanced foundation to function and move forward from.
Collaborative Practice and Law Coaching
Collaborative Practice is a cost-effective, problem solving approach that can minimize the impact of negative outcomes during a dispute resolution. The process utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, working with professionals with the right expertise to guide and inform you along the way. The goal is to reach a desired outcome, while engaging in a process that is respectful and preserves dignity and privacy outside of the courtroom. The results are legally binding agreements that are produced by the attorneys that are part of the team.
As a coach, my role is to serve as a neutral professional as part of the interdisciplinary collaborative law team. In that role, I help people recognize emotional challenges to the process, negotiate and communicate during a divorce of other dispute resolution.
Substance Abuse and Addictions Treatment
I have extensive experience evaluating and treating substance abuse and chemical dependence. Evaluating and understanding a client’s patterns of usage, and whether or not a physical addiction is present, is critical to successfully resolving issues that are caused when drugs and alcohol are part of the challenge.
When addiction is present, I work with a client to develop greater inner strength and confidence. My treatment is focused on: maintaining abstinence and sobriety; utilizing self-help and other resources; and teaching biofeedback and relaxation skills to regulate emotional and mental distress and learn positive coping skills.