Therapist Profile

My Approach to Helping

My belief is that peace of mind (improvement in overall mental health, emotional control, symptom reduction, development of coping skills, honest communication...) is possible to achieve by changing the way we THINK about and COMMUNICATE about the events in our lives that cause stress, anxiety and pain.

I use and teach a collaborative communication approach, helping clients to increase honest and effective communication and develop healthy coping skills. My ultimate goal is to encourage the use of these skills in any situation that may cause you distress, far beyond the current crisis.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), I offer counseling to individual adults, couples, teens and family groups. Problem areas addressed may include: anxiety and stress, aging and other life transitions, relationship and communication issues, pre- or post-divorce and parenting issues.

I also provide structured Medical Crisis Counseling (MCC), a therapeutic approach developed by Irene Pollin, MSW. By paying attention to physical, psychological and social issues that may be contributing to the problem (called a bio-psycho-social model) MCC aids in individual and/or family adjustment to long-term and/or chronic medical conditions.

I operate from a systems approach (we are just one cog in the wheel of life) and tend to utilize a relatively short-term, solution-focused model with clear goals in mind (meaning that you have the solution to your problem locked up in there somewhere, we just need to work together to find the key). Combined with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (retraining the way we think about our problems) this goal-oriented approach can result in relatively quick improvement in feelings and actions. However, lasting change can only take place with practice over time.

As a student of Systems Theory, Nonviolent (Compassionate) Communication and Integral Theory, I communicate with honesty, empathy and compassion in all of my interactions and communications. I employ humor, sensitivity and acceptance in my work, assisting you to engage in the world with empathy and honesty by teaching coping and communication skills that can be utilized with any relationship.

I consider myself to be an eclectic therapist, meaning that I have training and experience with many types of therapeutic approaches, and will work collaboratively to find the safest and most effective way in which to connect with each individual, couple or family.

More Info About My Practice

Safe, compassionate, affordable therapy.