This office has changed to virtual therapy only for the foreseeable future.
This office has changed to virtual therapy only for the foreseeable future.
I am delighted at your interest in therapy and excited to share some of my background so that you may make an informed decision as you choose your next mental health provider.
I received my doctorate in March of 2015 from the APA accredited American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University: San Francisco Bay Area. My pre-doctoral internship was completed at the County of Orange Healthcare Agency's Youth Reporting Center, a day treatment facility for school aged probationers. I spent my post-doctoral residency working with adult offenders at Farmington and Potosi Correctional Centers in Missouri. Prior to my work in private practice, I spent two years working at the Center for Mindfulness and CBT and three years at Affinia Healthcare's Children's Developmental Center.
Additionally, I obtained a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Central Missouri and spent two years working as a case manager for a contracted agency.
Since my first paid role as therapist, I have had the opportunity to work across many sectors of society and with people from various socio-cultural backgrounds. Over time, I developed a technique for interpersonal effectiveness which focuses on validation, affirmation, and encouragement (VAE). Effectively engaging in these three behavior
Since my first paid role as therapist, I have had the opportunity to work across many sectors of society and with people from various socio-cultural backgrounds. Over time, I developed a technique for interpersonal effectiveness which focuses on validation, affirmation, and encouragement (VAE). Effectively engaging in these three behaviors are essential to effective communication as well as self-esteem building. In order to function at their highest potential, individuals must be able to validate, affirm, and encourage themselves as well as others. My integrative approach includes value-based talk therapy, various behavioral therapies, and VAE skills building.
Quite often, individuals present with a pervasive pattern of unhealthy interactions which result from or contribute to intrusive mental health symptoms. As a result, Dr. Marks understands the value in tracking patterns and experiences across the lifespan. By doing so, individuals are better able to identify ways in which their choices in
Quite often, individuals present with a pervasive pattern of unhealthy interactions which result from or contribute to intrusive mental health symptoms. As a result, Dr. Marks understands the value in tracking patterns and experiences across the lifespan. By doing so, individuals are better able to identify ways in which their choices in the present, can be changed from automatic responses (likely once adaptive coping skills but later turned into overused defense mechanisms) to intentional choices which are better aligned with the person they wish to be in the present and future.
In open-ended therapy, also known as long term therapy, Dr. Marks uses Validation, Affirmation, and Encouragement (VAE), psychodynamic theory (inner child work), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This wholistic and integrative approach helps individuals to understand their behaviors and take action to change or accept them without judgment.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is an integrative approach to therapy developed by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve deShazer. Dr. Marks's use of SFBT involves integration of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Validation, Affirmation, and Encouragement
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is an integrative approach to therapy developed by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve deShazer. Dr. Marks's use of SFBT involves integration of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Validation, Affirmation, and Encouragement (VAE).
SFBT is a short term approach. When using this approach, therapy sessions focus on identification of strengths and helping you to use your strengths in the present and immediate future. This is particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with negative, ruminating, thoughts that leave them feeling stagnant.
Individuals who choose to work with Dr. Marks using the Solution Focused Brief Therapy Model will work to find solutions within 6-8 sessions. This typically includes one diagnostic visit followed by five to six therapy visits. In some cases the diagnostic visit exceeds one session. In these cases, an eighth session is added on at the end.
In SFBT, Dr. Marks does not facilitate inner child work or focus on addressing specific issues across your lifespan. If Dr. Marks finds that you would benefit from this type of work, she will inform you of this.
It's important to keep in mind that Dr. Marks may not have the scheduling availability to switch you from SFBT to Open-Ended Therapy and may suggest you continue on with a different provider after you've completed your SFBT.
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