Therapist Profile

My Approach to Helping

I believe that change occurs best in an authentic client, therapist relationship. Along with the client I create a friendly, caring environment from which people can feel safe to explore and express their authentic selves. Through this relationship I believe a person is freer to go into the world more joyous and alive. Clients are better able to connect to others in relationship as well as express themselves in work and play. You may be skeptical or uncertain about seeking therapy, as it can be a difficult decision. Perhaps you find yourself in a period of transition or difficulty and are seeking support or an objective perspective. You may be experiencing some out of the blue anxiety or sadness, or dealing with long standing patterns you find troubling and unhealthy. Whatever your situation, therapy is one viable option, and serves as a source of growth and relief for many people. Whether you are seeking short term or long term counseling, the relationship between therapist and client is indicated to be the biggest determining factor for successful therapy. I do my best to create an optimal environment conducive to positive growth. Many clients have described me as easy going, gentle and down to earth, but also challenging. I believe that being challenged in a safe, respectful and supportive environment lays potential for movement and change. Ultimately, my clients control the direction of therapy, but I do my best to nudge them towards the unknown where I hope they can make discoveries and desired changes. Some people may disregard therapy because they feel therapists simply "tell you what to do", thereby ignoring the dignity and intelligence of the client to make choices for him/herself. Other people feel therapy is a waste of time and resources because therapists only "sit there and nod there heads" but give no feedback. I believe therapy should be a collaborative experience whereby the therapist respects the abilities and experience of the client while also respectfully attempting to stretch their patterns of thinking and behavior opening the door for a richer life and more satisfying relationships.