Ben Braaksma, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

The most important factor when looking for a therapist is to find the right fit. You need to know that your therapist can understand you well, is genuine, interested, attentive, and non judgemental. Within the context of a good therapeutic relationship, difficulties can be explored freely and through this exploration you can discover new insights and creative ways to work through problems. I practice psycho-dynamic Self Psychology. This therapeutic tradition puts a great emphasis on the relationship between client and therapist. As a practitioner of this kind of therapy, it is my belief that our capacity to understand our inner life, cope with life's challenges, have satisfying relationships, and effectively pursue our values and goals is developed and supported (or not) in the context of our important relationships. Therapy is a relationship especially suited to provide the kind of support that strengthens us and helps us get more of what we want out of life.