My Approach to Helping
Due to Covid-19, and to protect patient safety, I currently only offer video-therapy. I use a secure platform which is Hipaa compliant, and approved for use by psychotherapists.
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.