EVIDEnCE-BASED PSYCHOtherapy

Without effective skills to navigate life intentionally, flexibly and creatively, you will naturally default to the most familiar, practiced and sometimes unhelpful patterns.

Unfortunately many models used in psychotherapy are minimally effective. They tend to focus on rehearsing familiar narratives to gain insight without experiential practice or on changing thoughts and feelings that are not always inside your control.

In my practice I focus on the root causes of suffering— to help you understand your psychology, reduce unnecessary suffering and improve and maintain your wellbeing.

My approach is an integration of third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT/ACT/DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and attachment theory grounded in neuroscience, emotion science and positive psychology.

I work with highly motivated adults and couples who want a warm, direct, structured and goal-oriented process to optimize their wellbeing. While I work with people with a wide range of challenges across the lifespan, I have special expertise working with with artists, creators, innovators and tech founders.

This means we do much more than traditional talk therapy. While our relationship, insight and awareness are essential for transformation, sustained behavioral change requires in-session experiential practice and between-session assignments and experiments.

Clients come to my practice with short-term and/or longer-term maintenance goals. As a psychologist I have the most extensive training available for mental health providers in assessment, research, diagnosis and treatment. I also train therapists in using contextual behavioral approaches to therapy worldwide. More about Dr. West.

My psychotherapy practice is currently full, however I offer professional consultations, referrals and short-term work. To inquire about working with me, email me to inquire about working together.

AREAS OF FOCUS

  • Psychological Consultation: assessment and treatment recommendations to help you better understand the source of your concerns

  • Mood hygiene and management: acquiring tools for emotion regulation, performance and resilience

  • Relationships: developing communication skills, self-awareness, secure attachment, creative problem-solving and rupture/repair

  • Harm Reduction: tapping motivation and skills to decrease unhelpful behaviors

  • Values & Goal Setting: harnessing motivation, exploring what matters, clarifying focus

  • Navigating Neurodiversity: skills training for interpersonal effectiveness, time management and organization

  • Life Transitions: navigating phase of life and career change

  • Wellbeing : increasing meaning, connection, self-efficacy, resilience & autonomy

FrequentLY-ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I know if therapy or coaching is right for me? 

If you’re seeking therapy you’re probably struggling with a life-interfering issue (e.g., uncontrollable worry, unprocessed trauma or severe and frequent mood dysregulation) that requires clinical expertise and professional experience. People who seek coaching tend to be looking for targeted support to increase their wellbeing and performance, personally and/or professionally.

Do you see clients in person or online? 

I tend to work online with people who prefer to meet from the comfort of their office, home or workplace. I sometimes meet with clients at their workplace or on location.

With advance planning I offer in-person therapy, subject to federal and state regulations and safety recommendations related to COVID.

How many sessions will I need?

Psychotherapy can be short or long-term based on your needs. Some of my clients come to work on a specific problem that can be addressed in brief therapy. Others want or need more intensive longterm support. During the intake consultation process I will give you an estimate for a treatment timeline.

How do we get started?

Email me to set up a complimentary 15-minute Zoom consultation to see if we are a good fit. If we agree to move forward, we’ll schedule an intake consultation and I will send you assessments and forms prior to meeting for a structured clinical interview to review your background and developmental history. At the end of the intake we will make a plan for future treatment if appropriate.

How will I know if it’s working?

I practice feedback-informed treatment using metrics to ensure we stay on the same page about goals so we can both track how the learning is being integrated into your life, and whether you are progressing. If you’re not making progress, we’ll know it, and we can troubleshoot what’s happening and what’s needed.

Do you take insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider. I can provide a monthly superbill for clients to submit to their insurance company for reimbursement. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be reimbursed for a portion of our work, but you should always check with your insurance company first to make an informed decision.