He has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including: a residential youth-care facility, a community mental health center, community schools, homeless shelters, private mental health clinics, and a mental health rehabilitation center.
He works with adults, children, and adolescents in individual therapy. He has extensive experience with individuals struggling with the substance abuse of a parent, peer, partner, or other family member. He has worked with adults suffering from chronic and life-threatening illnesses, as well as individuals in the process of grieving. He also has extensive experience with adopted and displaced children from a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Dr. Upton works with other clinical issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, self-esteem, and anger management. He is also trained in a number of academic and psychological diagnostic instruments, which can be utilized within the therapy.
Dr. Upton utilizes a flexible psychodynamic approach to therapy, focusing on establishing a safe environment in which individual adults and adolescents can feel secure as they address their difficulties. His work with children focuses on a style of play therapy that allows children to identify their issues in a comfortable setting, utilizing familiar toys and games, and then receive input about solving problems from the therapist.