Why Me?
I bring the advanced training and education of a Licensed Psychologist with specialties in Schema Therapy, neuropsychology, human sexuality, divinity, and business to our work.
As a Certified Sex Therapist by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists, an Advanced Schema Therapist, and a Trainer in Individuals and Couples, I offer proven solution-focused methods that will improve your relationships and performance personally and professionally.
Clients say I am non-judgmental, compassionate, supportive, straightforward, and clear. A few of the things that clients have shared are that I:
"get to the bottom of things"
"understand what is really going on"
"help them get to a better place."
We work together to maximize your potential and improve your relationships and performance.
About Dr. Kavros
Dr. Kavros is the Director of the Schema Therapy Institute of the South East. Information about the International Society for Schema Therapy may be found here.
Dr. Kavros is a licensed psychologist in New York and North Carolina. She is a National Health Register Psychologist, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, and an Advanced Schema Therapist Trainer and Supervisor in Individuals and Couples. Dr. Kavros is grateful for those who have shared their wisdom and expertise as she trained: Travis Atkinson, LCSW, Wendy T. Behary, LSCW, Joan Farrell, Ph.D., Poul Perris, MD, Eckhard Roediger, MD, and Ida Shaw, MA.
Dr. Kavros was awarded a Ph.D. in Psychology from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Her dissertation investigated the ways in which brain functioning influences cognition, memory, and behavior. She holds a Masters of Science in Clinical Counseling from the California State University East Bay, a Masters in Business Administration from the College of Notre Dame du Namur, and a Masters of Divinity from the General Theological Seminary.
Dr. Kavros completed an APA-approved Internship with children, adults, and families at the Julia Dyckman Andrus Memorial, where she was a member of the Ryan White Team. Post-graduate training was obtained in Neuropsychology from Columbia University and in Human Sexuality from New York University School of Medicine Langone Medical Center.
Dr. Kavros held clinical appointments at Columbia University and New York University. In 1990, as Sr Research Associate in the Department of Neurology at Columbia University, she contributed to developing the Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Center, which has achieved international standing. At Columbia, she had the privilege of working with patients and families responding to the demands of a chronic progressive illness. In 2011, when she completed her training in human sexuality and the treatment of sexual disorders at New York University Langone Medical Center, Dr. Virginia Sadock and Amy Rosenberg, LCSW, Co-Directors of the Human Sexuality Division, invited her join the staff. In 2015, Dr. Kavros moved to North Carolina to be closer to nature and to develop a practice in the Triangle.
In the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, she has the privilege of serving as one of the Ministry Associates at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Hillsborough.
Dr. Kavros' 30-year career has featured domestic and global management positions in both the non-profit and profit sectors. As an invited speaker, she has addressed topics such as mindfulness, managing difficult situations, and leveraging strengths in the workplace. She has contributed to book chapters; referenced works such as the Encyclopedia of Psychology & Religion and published in peer-reviewed journals. A Curriculum Vitae is available, upon request.
Balancing her time, Dr. Kavros thrives on reading, baking, music, gardening, training, and playing with her therapy dog, Theo, and all other animals living on Hyacinth Farm. She is a member of the Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties, the Hillsborough Gardening Club, and supports other non-profits addressing food scarcity and sustainability. Walking the beautiful trails of North Carolina with her husband fills her with peace.
Dr. Kavros belongs to the following professional organizations:
What Is Schema Therapy?
What is it?
Schema Therapy is an integrative experiential, emotionally focused attachment based model of psychotherapy that evolved out Dr. Jeffrey Young's experience with patients who did not respond to traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The culturally sensitive and inclusive treatment model blends aspects of cognitive behavioral, experiential, attachment, developmental, object relations, psychoanalytic, emotionally focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness.
Goals of Schema Therapy
While goals vary the theoretical approach is designed to soothe long-standing emotional and behavioral difficulties originating in childhood and adolescence when core needs of attachment, safety, consistency, creativity, spontaniety, and healthy limits are not met. When core needs are not met in the child, Schemas, or certain ways of looking at the world take shape. The child develops ways of behaving, Modes, which in the beginning, enable the child to survive, but later, can affect or inhibit the formation of healthy relationships with oneself as well as others. Over time, the client and therapist work together to identify, heal, and integrate, the Schemas and Modes that are affecting one's feeling of wellness.
Development
Schema Therapy was developed by Dr. Jeffrey Young for clients who were not able to respond to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Those clients often presented with chronic, rigid, and complex psychological issues. Dr. Young’s integrated treatment model highlights experiential techniques, safety, and a healthy conceptualization of the therapeutic relationship. Schema Therapy is supported by evidence-based research and provides a structured developmental framework that facilitates change.
Jeffrey E. Young, PhD
Dr. Young is being interviewed by Dr. Alexander Vaz on Psychotherapy Expert Talks, "From Cognitive Therapy to Schema Therapy and Beyond."
George Lockwood, PhD
Dr. Lockwood shares the unique aspects of Schema Therapy that make it especially effective with long-standing issues affecting one's relationships with oneself and others.