Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress and mental health issues. It is based on the premise that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and by addressing and modifying them, individuals can experience significant improvements in their well-being.

In CBT, clients collaborate with me to challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that may be contributing to their difficulties. Individuals learn to develop healthier thinking patterns, coping skills, and problem-solving strategies through various techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, and homework assignments.

CBT is known for its effectiveness in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many others. Its structured and goal-oriented nature makes it a practical and empowering approach for individuals seeking positive life changes.

CBT equips my clients with valuable tools to better understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, ultimately fostering long-lasting improvements in their mental health and overall quality of life.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

I help clients with Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) by guiding them to identify and challenge irrational beliefs that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. The process typically begins with helping clients recognize their negative thought patterns and understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Once these beliefs are identified, I work with clients to evaluate the evidence for and against their thoughts. This critical examination allows them to understand the impact of these beliefs on their emotional states and behaviors. By fostering self-awareness, clients can gradually replace irrational beliefs with more rational, constructive thoughts.

In our sessions, I provide practical tools and techniques that empower clients to implement REBT principles in their daily lives. This includes developing coping strategies, enhancing problem-solving skills, and practicing self-acceptance. I also emphasize the importance of commitment to change and the courage to face discomfort as part of the therapeutic journey.

Ultimately, my goal is to help clients develop a greater sense of resilience and foster healthier emotional responses, enabling them to lead more fulfilling lives. Through a collaborative approach, clients gain the skills to manage their thoughts and emotions effectively, promoting long-term psychological well-being.

Insight-Oriented Therapy

Insight-oriented therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on exploring deep-seated emotions, thoughts, and beliefs to gain a better understanding of one's inner world and how it influences behavior. Through self-reflection and introspection guided by a trained therapist, individuals are encouraged to uncover unconscious patterns and motivations that may be driving their struggles.

Through insight-oriented therapy, my clients are provided with a safe and supportive space to delve into past experiences, traumas, and relationships that may be contributing to their present challenges. By bringing hidden feelings and conflicts to the surface, clients can develop a greater awareness of themselves and their behavior, leading to profound insights and personal growth.

With my expertise and compassionate guidance, clients can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of their emotional distress or relational difficulties. By fostering insight and self-awareness, insight-oriented therapy empowers individuals to make conscious choices, overcome obstacles, and create positive change in their lives.

If you are seeking a therapeutic approach that delves into the depths of your psyche and promotes profound self-discovery, insight-oriented therapy may be the key to unlocking your full potential and achieving lasting emotional well-being.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy is a therapeutic approach rooted in the principles of psychoanalysis. Developed by pioneers such as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, this method emphasizes the unconscious mind's influence on a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

During psychodynamic therapy sessions, my clients are encouraged to explore past experiences, relationships, and unresolved conflicts to gain insight into their present struggles. I serve as a guide, helping individuals uncover deep-seated emotions and patterns that may be contributing to their mental health challenges.

By discussing dreams, childhood memories, and recurring themes, my clients can better understand themselves and make positive changes in their lives. Psychodynamic therapy promotes emotional healing and personal growth by fostering self-awareness and exploring unconscious processes.

As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience treating teenagers and adults, I integrate psychodynamic principles into my practice to help clients achieve lasting transformation and improve their overall well-being. If you seek a deeper understanding of yourself and a path to healing, psychodynamic therapy may be the right approach.

Family Systems Therapy

Family Systems Therapy is an evidence-based approach utilized to address family relational dynamics. This therapeutic modality operates on the premise that individuals are best understood within the context of their family unit. By examining the way family members interact, communicate, and influence one another, I aim to identify and address problematic patterns that may be contributing to psychological distress.

Through this collaborative therapy, families are encouraged to explore how their behaviors and emotions impact the collective well-being of the family system. By increasing awareness of these interconnections, individuals can gain insight into their roles and learn effective strategies for improving communication, resolving conflicts, and fostering healthier relationships.

I employ Family Systems Therapy to help adolescents and adults navigate challenges within their families, supporting them in developing stronger bonds and promoting overall emotional well-being. This approach reflects Dr. Golden's commitment to delivering compassionate and effective care to her clients, promoting lasting positive change within the family unit.

Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study and promotion of positive emotions, character strengths, and overall well-being. It sheds light on what makes life worth living and how individuals can flourish and thrive. I use positive psychology to empower my clients to lead more fulfilling lives through gratitude journaling, mindfulness meditation, and cultivating meaningful relationships. By emphasizing personal growth, resilience, and a positive mindset, positive psychology offers valuable tools and insights that can enhance mental health and overall quality of life.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a practice that involves being fully present in the moment without judgment. This skill can be cultivated through various techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and body scans. By increasing awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations, mindfulness allows us to better understand ourselves and our reactions to the world around us.

In my clinical practice, I often incorporate mindfulness techniques to help my clients gain insight into their mental processes and develop healthier coping strategies. For teenagers and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress, mindfulness can be a valuable tool in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.

Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can reduce rumination, improve focus and attention, and enhance emotional regulation. By bringing attention to the present moment, individuals can experience greater clarity, resilience, and a sense of calm.

Wellness

Wellness is a multidimensional concept encompassing an individual's physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Achieving optimal wellness involves a mindful balance of these aspects, leading to overall health and vitality. It is not merely the absence of illness but a proactive approach to living a fulfilling life.

Regarding mental wellness, cultivating self-awareness, managing stress effectively, and fostering positive relationships are crucial. Emotional wellness involves recognizing and expressing feelings in a healthy manner, while social wellness emphasizes the importance of supportive connections and meaningful interactions.

Prioritizing physical wellness through regular exercise, nourishing the body with proper nutrition, and adequate rest are fundamental to overall well-being. Each dimension of wellness is interconnected and influences one another to create a harmonious state of being.

As a clinical psychologist specializing in treating teenagers and adults, I emphasize the significance of addressing all facets of wellness in therapy. Individuals can embark on a transformative journey toward holistic wellness by exploring the intricate relationship between mind and body. Through self-reflection, goal setting, and evidence-based interventions, clients can enhance their quality of life and fulfill their true potential. Let us work together to embark on a path toward comprehensive wellness and personal growth.

“I adjust my cadence and techniques to your needs and unique personality while modeling positive energy. I value the relationships I build with my clients and am inspired by their breakthroughs and personal growth over time. I am passionate about my work and bring positive energy to my sessions, promoting a growth mindset. I strive to elicit individual strengths, healthy self-esteem, improved decision-making/problem-solving skills, and a deeper awareness of one’s narrative.”