My Approach to Helping
I am passionate about working with people who are struggling with many of life’s challenges, such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief & loss, emotional eating, self-esteem, trauma, and other related challenges. In addition, I am interested in helping those who are going through life transitions and existential issues. Many of the people I work with want to understand themselves at a deeper level, transform their limiting beliefs, reduce stress and anxiety, seek more meaning and fulfillment in life, and strive to become better versions of themselves.
My approach to therapy is integrative, blending elements of various psychotherapies and tailoring them to your unique needs and personal circumstances. My work is informed by multiple theories and perspectives including, yet not limited to, relational psychoanalysis, depth therapy, humanistic perspective, attachment theory, developmental psychology, and mindfulness-based approaches.
I serve people of all ages, economic and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and spiritual traditions. I see each person as essentially whole and include all aspects of the person in the healing process.
More Info About My Practice
My practice is integral and holistic, dedicated to supporting the entire person. To me, that means mind, body, and soul. I specialize and thrive on treating the entire spectrum of mental health and wellness issues.
I provide a supportive, empathetic, and warm environment, and bring my whole self into the process of therapy. My services are designed to facilitate healing during times of emotional stress, confusion, and pain. If you’re interested in becoming a better, happier, more fulfilled you; I would love to work with you every step of the way.
**In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, I have started offering HIPAA-compliant teletherapy (video or phone sessions). I would be privileged to provide support and comfort to you in this time of uncertainty. **
How Psychotherapy Can Help
I believe that psychotherapy can help everyone in one way or another. It is a powerful healing experience and a personal investment in yourself which helps you get to know and accept yourself and others; and find the true meaning and purpose of your life. It can help you outgrow insecurities, discover strengths, have satisfying relationships, and become the best person you can possibly be. The healing power of an empathetic, caring, and authentic therapeutic relationship (including acceptance, trust, and respect), helps develop an attitude of love, openness, and self-acceptance, which promotes growth, and serves as a prerequisite for deepening relationships with others.
My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy
"In my early professional years, I was asking the question: How can I treat, or cure, or change this person? Now I would phrase the question in this way: How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for his own personal growth?" ~Carl Rogers
"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are." ~ Carl Jung
I view the purpose of psychotherapy as empowerment, transformation, growth and healing; alleviating suffering, distress, and dissatisfaction; and becoming who you truly are, through the deep, interpersonal connection with a therapist.
Psychotherapy provides an opportunity to explore deep issues and to understand the underlying dynamics and beliefs that keep you stuck in destructive patterns and limit your choice of behaviors and expressions. By connecting to your internal life, and as your awareness grows, you are freer to align in more authentic ways; you become more trusting, autonomous, and confident, with a greater capacity for intimacy and an increased ability to accept and adapt to change. You increase your ability to choose and better evaluate your actions, and you are better able to create opportunities to live a more authentic life which helps you connect to your true self and to make life choices that are more intentionally fulfilling. Understanding and grieving what losses might have resulted from these beliefs is also an important part of the healing process. Psychotherapy strengthens and transforms your sense of self, which in turn enhances your confidence and well-being in the world.
The therapeutic relationship and process will help you gain control over your intense emotions and thoughts so that you can be more fully present in your relationships, work, and other endeavors. It will strengthen and transform your sense of self, which in turn enhances your confidence and trust in yourself so that you can know that you are living a life filled with value, meaning, and purpose.
What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist
I love being a therapist because I derive a deep sense of meaning and purpose in my life. It is both meaningful and transformative for others while, at the same time, is supporting and facilitating my own personal growth and transformation. I get tremendous satisfaction and meaning from getting acquainted with the workings of a client's inner world and to facilitate in their self-discovery, personal growth, and deep healing process.
I have a passion for this work and find psychotherapy incredibly fascinating, and love to be able to give others this meaningful experience while supporting them on their journey.
My Role as a Therapist
My role as a therapist is compassionate facilitator, or guide, listening with empathy, without judgment and acknowledging your experiences. I accept you as you are, and I encourage and support you and guide the therapeutic process without interfering with your process of self-discovery. I provide hope for the possibility of growth and transformation and I am present with you every step of the way.
On the Fence About Going to Therapy?
If you're not sure if therapy is right for you, I offer a free 15-minute phone conversation to briefly discuss your situation and help clarify your feelings and thoughts about starting therapy. We can discuss the options and the direction you'd like to take.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
I have considerable life experience and have faced many of my own struggles, which I believe makes me a better therapist. Drawing on these varied experiences, I am able to have the empathy, understanding, and compassion necessary to be with and support others in their pain. I am able to understand them, at a much deeper level, which allows for an appreciation of what they are going through and total acceptance of who they are. I have dedicated myself to a life of healing and evolution, and I bring my own strength and insight to helping others navigate theirs as well.
Importance of the Client-Therapist Alliance
I strongly believe that the relationship we build together is of fundamental importance to the healing and transformation process and that therapy is most effective when the conditions are created that allow you to bring your full self into the space. I value the importance of creating a warm, welcoming and safe environment to explore what is creating suffering in your life and what may be contributing to dissatisfaction in your relationships. Through open, honest, collaborative, and meaningful dialogue, growth and healing will occur.
I strive to create a safe and containing space, allowing you to explore your emotions and thoughts. I am passionate about my work and care deeply about my clients. My hope is to assist you in finding greater peace and joy in your life. I would be honored to join you on your transformational journey.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.
