My Approach
These basic principles guide my approach to therapy:
Getting down to basics: Whether at particularly stressful times or in the course of living everyday life, we can get confused about feelings or behaviors. Often, it’s this confusion that brings individuals, couples, or families into therapy. The fact is that we usually feel or behave the way we do for specific reasons. And it’s by uncovering these reasons—by understanding and dispelling our confusion—that we open doorways to change. In this way, the learning that grows out of effective therapy has a quality of good common sense.
Taking an individualized approach: Each of us takes in and processes experience—thoughts, feelings, perceptions, physical sensations—in our own way. That’s why we’re so different from one another, and it’s why it can be hard for us to hear, and feel heard by, others—even those we’re closest to. Since these differences can figure as prominently in a therapy session as anywhere else, I individualize treatment. I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, tap into individual strengths, and target specific areas where there’s a need for support and growth. So, one of the basic tasks of our work together will be to find the approach to therapy that works best for you.
Working collaboratively: When we join in therapy, we each bring our own areas of expertise. Mine is defined by my training and experience. Yours is based on your knowledge of your past, your view of the present, and your thoughts about your future. We’ll work in a manner that’s based on our abilities to inform and learn from each other. We’ll honor your right to feel supported or challenged. Along the way, we’ll form a bond of trust that will become the foundation for a nurturing and rewarding relationship that drives your therapy.
Whether you come to psychotherapy as an individual, as a couple, or as a family, and whether our journey together is long or consists of a few sessions, you’ll leave with:
A stronger sense of health and wellbeing
A deeper understanding of your strengths and capacitites
A clearer view of how to reach your life goals
A greater ability to connect with others and build fulfilling relationships
If you would like to learn more about my approach to therapy or if you’re ready to work together, please contact me.