After nearly thirty years as a healing professional I understand that psychotherapy is less a set of scientific procedures than it is a healing art form. I believe that everyone has a primary need to be heard, to be seen, and to have their life stories acknowledged and understood. I think that therapy is most effective when it allows you to explore the emotions and motivations underneath what you're experiencing before making life-altering decisions.
Many of my clients are entering therapy for the first time. They are apprehensive and are not sure of what they may face. Entering therapy does not mean you are weak, imperfect, or incapable of change. It does mean that you have taken an important step toward emotional and spiritual growth. I have the experience and sensitivity to gain your trust and be totally present with your life story. I will listen non-judgmentally, observe carefully, and work to understand everything possible, then help you set realistic goals and implement changes to cope with your current issues and enhance your life.
I believe that a sensitive and receptive initial experience is a key element in getting positive and lasting results from therapy. I try to integrate each client's beliefs, attitudes, and expectations in ways that foster a supportive healing environment. This allows me to use the therapeutic methods and procedures that work most appropriately for each client as it impacts their particular situation. I also feel strongly that a spiritual component is vital to effective therapy. I have seen how deeply spiritual and psychological growth are interconnected, and I apply this component whenever it is appropriate in the therapeutic process.
Although in recent years I have come to focus more on relationship therapy, especially with committed couples, I find that many issues I deal with are common to my individual clients as well. Conflict, depression, anxiety, past abuse, grief, addiction, stress management, eating disorders, sexual problems, financial worries, and general life transitions are all concerns that I can help with, as well as those issues which are more specific to relationships, such as infidelity, jealousy, loss of trust, lack of intimacy, impending separation or divorce, parenting conflicts, and ineffective or negative communication. I want to help you find new ways to address these issues and make your life healthier and more meaningful.