Hal Abbott, LMHC

My therapy style in working with all people is grounded in humanistic and transpersonal psychology. I view individuals from a relationship perspective and hold the relationship between client and therapist as the central catalyst for personal change and transformation. I also incorporate other disciplines and modalities into my work such as: couples and family therapy, eclectic spirituality and mindfulness based cognitive therapy, depth psychotherapy and short term life coaching. When working with couples, I use an intimacy based developmental model emphasizing; trust, partnership, differentiation and integration to help them achieve a more functional and fulfilling relationship. I also help couples effectively confront their problems while simultaneously strengthening their attachment and partnership. I help couples communicate with transparency and directness in order to experience greater intimacy and satisfaction in their sexual and emotional connection. People learn how to contain their own anxiety and maintain a clearer sense of self by asserting their personal boundaries and desires. When working with children and families I help people understand their underlying emotional wounds and needs that are likely to be at the core of tension, distress and conflict. I work individually with children or conjointly with parents andor all immediate family members. I may incorporate play therapy into my sessions with young children to help them express their feelings and understand their personal or family conflicts. I help parents to understand the developmental needs of their children and to integrate their different skills and values into a cohesive approach to parenting and family development. I have over 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist and mental health counselor. It has been my life calling, to help people discover their true self and unique gifts, in order to bring themselves forward into the world in a satisfying and meaningful way. I see life's problems and difficulties also as opportunities for deep learning and personal growth and I feel fortunate to have had a career offering my self, in personal service to others as they walk the path of life.