My Approach to Helping

Are you struggling with lifelong problems, such as anxiety, depression, past traumas andor unhealthy relationships? I specialize in working with men and women who've experienced childhood abuse, neglect, and dysfunctional parenting. Those early experiences contribute to chronic mental health problems including complex PTSD and personality disorders.

My approach involves understanding all of you, the whole person that you are. I work with you to dig deep into your history, painful feelings, dreams, patterns of relating with others and so on. I see therapy as a journey we undertake together to help you resolve old problems and live a more full and meaningful life.

My style is warm, emotionally-engaged, and I'm known to crack a joke at times. I've been through my own life challenges and personal work. I get it. And I'm passionate about this work and helping you. Feel free to read more about me on my website and reach out when you're ready.

How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist

I know, from experience, that starting therapy can be an intimidating and daunting process. It's natural to think that the therapist has it all figured out and is somehow a more advanced human being. Trust me - I've been there.

Yet, what is important to realize is that we therapists are people too. Many of us decided to become helpers because we've experienced our own adversities. My own life struggles and personal therapy have absolutely informed and guided my decision to become a therapist and the way I work with clients.

Importance of the Client-Therapist Alliance

In the therapy process it is very important that you trust and feel comfortable with your therapist. Research consistently shows that the quality of the therapist-client relationship is a primary factor in whether you'll experience positive outcomes in therapy.

An effective therapist-client alliance should be collaborative. That is, it's important for you to have a say in the process and how therapy proceeds. While the therapist has education, training, and licensing, you are the expert on your life. Therefore, therapy should focus on exploring areas of your life you'd like help with. Also, the process should proceed at your own pace; you shouldn't feel pushed into disclosing anything that feels uncomfortable. At the same time, its important that your therapist is able to receive and accept what you say - even if it's traumatic in nature.