My Approach to Psychotherapy

Most people seek psychotherapy because they are experiencing painful symptoms such as feeling depressed or anxious, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating, or are unhappy in their relationships. They often present feeling overwhelmed, self-critical, and confused.

 

In order to facilitate change, I approach clients in a manner that is thoughtful, warm, nonjudgmental, and engaged. I bring curiosity and compassion to my work with clients so that they can feel safe as we can begin to explore their difficulties. Along with curiosity and a non-judgmental stance, I bring a keen sensitivity to the nuances of clients' unique characteristics of family history, personality, experiences, and culture to help them discover what is keeping them dissatisfied with life. Using an integrative approach to treatment, I help my clients understand the patterns that are causing them difficulty and give them the tools they need to move forward.

 

In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, I offer a highly personalized approach, tailored to each client so they can attain the personal growth they are seeking.

 

The goal of psychotherapy

My goal for each of my clients is to live a fuller and more satisfying life. Treatment initially targets symptom relief, but goes beyond to help clients make choices in life that are congruent with their values and abilities, interact more skillfully with others, and face life's inherent challenges with greater flexibility and resiliency.

 

Collaborative approach

I view therapy as a partnership in which we agree on therapeutic goals and how we will achieve them. I encourage clients' active participation in therapy and regularly encourage their feedback about our work together. My role is to create a safe, supportive environment and maintain open lines of communication so that together we can achieve their therapy goals and create lasting change.

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Clinical Background

My clinical experience and training have come from working in community mental health settings. As a result, I have experience working with a wide variety of clients who are struggling with a range of distressing symptoms. I am experienced in helping clients navigate important life changes, such as entering or leaving college, coming out, ending or beginning a committed relationship, parenting, and aging.  I have expertise in working with people struggling with trauma, relational difficulties, self-destructive behaviors, and grief and loss.

 

Experience

Relate Counseling Center, Minnetonka, MN

Hamm Memorial Psychiatric Clinic, St Paul, MN

Private practice in Hawaii and Minnesota

 

Education
University of St. Thomas School of Professional Psychology--PsyD
Miami University--MBA
University of Illinois--BA

License and Certifications

Hawaii Board of Psychology (License PSY-1910)

Minnesota Board of Psychology (License # 4674)

Certified EMDR Therapist since 2019

AEDP Level 2 - trained Therapist

 

Professional Memberships

Hawaii Island Psychological Association

EMDR International Association

AEDP Institute

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Publications

David Roseborough, Nancy Bottorff, Kelsi Dankey, Tricia Downing, Danae Hoffman, Heather Karson, Sara Lemon, Natia Wilcek & Arielle Yahnke (2018) Making and sustaining change from psychotherapy: A mixed methods study, Journal of Evidence-Informed Social Work, 15:6, 649-675, DOI: 10.1080/23761407.2018.1517069

Jennings, L., Sovereign, A., Bottorff, N. & Mussell, M. (2004). Ethical Values of Master Therapists. In Master Therapists: Exploring Expertise in Therapy. Allyn & Bacon.