I'm glad you're here.
When was the last time you had a good laugh? Or felt like your brain was calm? Or felt really confident that you were running your own life; not your anxiety, or obsessive thoughts, or big emotions. If it feels like it's been a while since you could actually enjoy life, then maybe it's a good thing you're here. Therapy can seem like a really serious thing to jump into. It is! It doesn't need to feel that way though. It's possible to do hard things, face the fears and anxieties that keep you stuck, and grow into the person you want to be. You can do all of that, and it can even be fun. Enjoyable. Something you look forward to.
As a therapist for 10+ years, I've had the opportunity to walk alongside people facing all sorts of challenges. I've practiced Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for 11 years. I've also been trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the most effective therapy for treating OCD. I focus on utilizing evidenced based treatments that work.
While the things we talk about in therapy can be serious, the most important thing we do in our sessions together is connect. Whether you work with me or one of my colleagues, it's our job to help you feel comfortable. My hope is that our meetings together feel relaxed, like you're sitting with someone you really enjoy around a good fire. Have a seat. We're looking forward to meeting you.
Ben Dieffenbach
Clinical Social Worker