My Approach to Helping
I believe with all my heart that no matter what a person has been through, no matter what one's current situation, there is always hope for a better tomorrow. After working with individuals, couples, and families for the past 20 years, I have learned how resilient human beings can be. I have witnessed amazing healing and growth. I have celebrated with clients who have let go of their pain, guilt, resentment, or whatever was preventing them from rediscovering their joy and inner peace. I have helped couples on the verge of separation learn new ways to communicate effectively, work together as a team to generate win-win solutions, and rediscover the emotional andor physical intimacy that they lost when "stuff" got in the way. I work collaboratively with clients to help them identify their values, goals, inner resources, and strengths. I give them a variety of tools to empower them to do whatever is needed so that they can create the meaningful life they desire and deserve--despite their past, despite whatever is still on their plate.
More Info About My Practice
I have had experience with a very diverse group of clients over the years and feel completely comfortable working with people of any culture, religion, nationality, race, or sexual orientation (i.e., members of the LGBT community). I am respectful of others' beliefs and values. When desired, I am happy to integrate religious, faith, andor spirituality issues into our sessions.
I have been quite successful using hypnosis for smoking cessation and enjoy teaching clients how to use self-hypnosis for pain management, insomnia, healthy eatingweight loss, etc.
For more information about fees, insurance coverage, appointment availability, etc., please call the number listed and speak with one of the wonderful Office Managers who will be more than happy to answer any of your questions. I am a preferred provider for BCBS and Medicare, but other insurance companies often pay "out of network" benefits.
My Role as a Therapist
Depending on the clients' presenting issues and treatment goals, I have worn many hats as a therapist. Based on what role is needed at any given time (which can change week to week, even moment to moment during a session), I have been a coach, an educator, a mediator, a sounding board, a thought-provoker, a cheerleader, a challenger, a validator, a truth-sayer, a facilitator, a limit-setter, a reality-checker, a witness, a model, a mirror, a mistake-maker, a vulnerable human being, a learner, and more. I help clients find ways to accept things over which they have no control, identify and clarify their values, evaluate and prioritize their goals, reach inside and rediscover their internal resources and strengths, and--perhaps most importantly--commit to take whatever action is necessary to find their voice and live a meaningful, authentic, value-driven life.
My Therapy Focus
Despite their presenting issue(s), my goal is for clients to leave every session feeling validated, hopeful and empowered. Because they are often really stuck or hurting by the time they decide to seek counseling, I initially use brief, solution-focused interventions and introduce Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have also been trained in several other evidence-based therapies and feel comfortable spontaneously pulling out gems from different models to demonstrate a concept or clarify an issue. This makes my therapeutic approach both eclectic and individualized to ensure that my clients experience effective and lasting positive changes in their lives.
