My Approach to Helping

I bring over 30 years of experience to my work, and consistently update my skills. My manner is warm, thoughtful, and down-to-earth. My approach is collaborative, flexible and straightforward. You may need time to feel safe, and want questions answered. I'm comfortable discussing things with you, and letting you know what I think. I'm equally comfortable sitting quietly with you while you feel your way.

You probably know a lot about what you need, and what will help you, and you make the best choices you can. If you're feeling stuck, or "keep making the same mistakes" or just can't get through the way you feel, it is often a sign that some side of you has been ignored or judged. When that happens, that part of you tends to shut down so you can't use it to guide your way. Together we can find a way to look at those parts of you with acceptance and curiosity rather than criticism. Then you can find your way again, with support and encouragement.

My role is one of an engaged witness, drawing on everything you're letting me know, and using my experience and understanding to help you to find your own way. I do this by attending carefully to all you're expressing verbally and non-verbally (the language of your body) and to your silence. At times I may ask questions to clarify (perhaps for both of us) a sense of what you're about; at times I may reflect my sense of what you're letting me know, so we can both tell if I'm on the same page as you or not. At times I may stay quiet while I listen deeply with all my senses, as you find your own voice to express yourself.

Some people are uncomfortable with silence or being the focus of attention, especially in the beginning of therapy. I am always ready to talk with you or to provide more structure to help you find your way in to what you want to address.

More Info About My Practice

Finding the right therapist can be hard, so I offer a free initial phone consultation of up to 30 minutes.

My fees change from time to time, so contact me to find my current fee. If you have insurance that accepts out-of-panel providers, I can give you receipts so you can be reimbursed by them for our sessions. This is something we can always talk about.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I have years of experience helping people who struggle with relationships, anxiety, and depression, or who feel stuck, empty and worthless or as if they're bad. I specialize in working with people who have trouble finding words for their experiences, or who have many words but feel lonely, isolated, and that nobody understands or really listens. I have helped many people gradually find their way to lives that are more satisfying, and soulful, and relationships that are comfortable and enriching.

Throughout my practice, I've specialized in helping people who suffer the effects of trauma and abuse, or who struggle with dissociation, or with how they feel in their body.

What I Say to People Concerned about the Therapy Process

One of the dilemmas about going to therapy, is that you'll start to feel more, of all kinds of feelings. You may be afraid this will be overwhelming. You may believe that nothing changes if you feel more, that it will just be pointless. One of the ways I can help is by accompanying you in taking your feelings one at a time, and one step at a time, at your own pace. This way you can learn how to 'ride in the drivers seat' of your feelings rather than feeling swept away by them. Gradually you can discover that it can help to let feelings come up, and talk about them, and sit with them. You can build your confidence in having feelings, even difficult ones. You may be surprised to find that after a while, feelings you thought were pointless or overwhelming, actually help you have a better life and help your relationships become easier and more enriching.