What's My Approach to Therapy?
My client-centered and reality-based approach is reflective of my interpersonal style which embraces humor, candor, and relatability. My goal is always to help each person achieve the goals they've identified for themselves. Sometimes people come in unhappy and dissatisfied with their lives but can't articulate what's "wrong". In those cases, we work together to get to the root of their troubles so our goals for therapy can become clearer and we can work towards real solutions. I affirm everyone's ability to change his or her life in a positive way. By utilizing a few time-tested treatment models and integrating them according to each persons' needs, we can find a rhythm and process that really works. Motivation, support, guidance, compassion, honesty, and empowerment are things people can expect to receive from me in the therapeutic process because those are the things I would want for myself!
My Practice & Services
While I am a general practitioner who treats virtually all emotional and psychological disorders, I am also a Nationally Certified Master Addiction Counselor with nearly 30 years of experience, both personal and professional, with both treatment and recovery. I treat most addictions including alcoholism, drugs, food, codependency, gambling, spending, cell phonesocial media, video games and others. Marriages that have been impacted by addiction are also area of focus. I hold multiple certifications in various treatment areas including CBTI and EMDR, among others.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
Psychotherapy can help people develop healthier habits and relationships with the goal of living happier and more fulfilling lives. The counseling process is grounded in dialogue between the therapist and the individual seeking therapy. The therapist is supportive but it is a different kind of support from the kind a friend could provide because the therapist is objective, neutral and non-judgmental. Your therapist should help you find ways to solve your immediate problems and teach you the skills to manage your problems ongoing. The process should not be intimidating or make you feel like a specimen in a microscope. You are a person with a unique set of circumstances and feelings. By the time you?ve found a solution to the problem that caused you to seek therapy in the first place, you should have a better understanding of how to cope with whatever challenges you encounter in the years to come.
Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist
Once you've decided to find a therapist, it's important to remember that it is perfectly okay to shop around. You don't have to commit to working with the first therapist you meet. The therapeutic relationship lays the foundation for emotional and psychological growth, so it's very important that you feel safe, comfortable, respected, and valued by your therapist. In addition to finding someone with suitable experience and expertise, try to find someone you can relate to; someone who's sense of humor appeals to you. You will be spending important hours of your life with this person. Make sure he or she is the right therapist for YOU!
