Helping People Find Therapists & Advocating for Ethical and Healthy Therapy & Marriage Counseling Practices

My Approach to Helping

In my view, the overarching aims of therapy can be boiled down to two main goals: First, that you - as my client - feel as comfortable and safe in the therapeutic setting as possible; and second, that you thrive as a person, whatever that may mean to you. As my client, I will spend time talking with you about what is important to you in your life, and I will also focus on the therapeutic relationship between us, because this can often be a window through which we can view other significant relationships in your life. I will also sometimes challenge you to think about yourself and your relationship in different ways, though always in a supportive and respectful manner. Finally, I will strive to view you as a whole person as opposed to a collection of symptoms or diagnoses, and I will work with you to create a more meaningful life, as opposed to only trying to remove unwanted symptoms.

I have had significant training in Rogerian/Client-Centered therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and I draw upon each of these orientation in my work. I have had experience working with young adults, adults, couples, and families, and I specialize in anxiety disorders, depression, trust, adjustment issues (including adjustment to college), and relationship issues, among others.

 

 

On the Fence About Going to Therapy?

Many people are ambivalent about beginning therapy, and for good cause. Beginning therapy can be a scary, intimidating endeavor, where you find yourself trying to trust someone with the most intimate aspects of your life. Sometimes you might not even know how simply “talking” about your issues can really even help. My advice to individuals feeling cautions or unsure about beginning therapy is twofold: First, you are not alone. Many people feel worried or ambivalent about beginning therapy, and this is a perfectly normal and understandable feeling. And second, challenge yourself and give it a try. There’s generally very little to lose by trying therapy for a session or two, and you can always stop if it’s not working for you. However, therapy has the potential to be a life-changing experience, so why not allow yourself the chance?

 

Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed

I personally believe that everyone can benefit from therapy. Therapy affords you the unique opportunity to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and fears in a supportive setting where the main goal of the therapist is to help you to thrive. I believe that EVERYONE has “issues,” and everyone has private thoughts, fears, feelings, and wishes that are so private that can be difficult to admit even to oneself, let alone to another person. Sharing these feelings with anyone can be difficult and scary, and especially sharing them with someone – like a therapist - that you might not know very well at the beginning of therapy. So far from being “weak” or “flawed,” I actually believe that participating in therapy is a sign of personal strength and a commitment to helping yourself strive in your own life.

Services I Provide

• Individual Therapy & Counseling
• Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
• Family Therapy
• Group Therapy

Ages I Work With

• Teens
• Adults

Languages I Speak

• English

Therapy Approaches I Use

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy /REBT
• Family Systems Therapy
• Mindfulness Based Approaches
• Psychodynamic

Concerns & Issues I Help With

• Occupational & Academic Issues
• Life Changes
• Social Skills & Problems
• Emotion Management
• Anxiety, Fear, & Stress
• Relationships & Marriage
• Depression & Mood
• Family Problems
• Identity Issues
• Self-Esteem & Confidence
• Attachment