My Approach to Helping
I believe our mutual job is to work together to help you find the best ways of dealing effectively with your problem. Sometimes, although we may know the answers to our problems, we have never been taught the skills to implement that knowledge. Part of my job is to use my expertise and education to teach those skills. For example, we may realize we are being misunderstood by others and work hard to be understood, but no matter how hard we try, nothing changes. Teaching communication skills is one of my areas of expertise that may prove useful.
My theoretical approach is eclectic, meaning I do not hold to one specific theory but use a variety of approaches in my therapy. These include Rogerian (Person Centered) therapy, Cognitive/Behavioral therapy, and Hypnotherapy as well as a variety of other techniques, depending on the situation we are working with.
I am a retired law enforcement officer and a Vietnam Veteran.
More Info About My Practice
I am a provider for United Behavioral Health insurance company and Magellan Health Services. If you have a PPO policy with another company, I ask for payment up front, but I will provide you with a detailed receipt so that you can file a claim for reimbursement.
Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed
I actually believe that going to therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to make that first effort, whether by phone or by email. It takes courage to walk into an office and share one's pain, frustration, or anger with a complete stranger. It takes courage to continue in therapy and face one's personal issues. It takes courage to take a good long look at one's self and determine where change would be useful. Then it takes courage to actually make the effort to begin making those changes. When clients tell me that they see therapy as a sign of weakness, I assure them that I see it as a sign that they have the "guts" to face whatever the issue is, and deal with it. That isn't weakness. That's bravery.
Importance of the Client-Therapist Alliance
I believe the client-therapist relationship is the most important factor in therapy. Without a strong connection between the therapist and the client, I don't believe much positive is likely to happen. The therapist's education, psychotherapy skills, tools for change, and experience, are all important factors in therapy, but in my opinion real healing takes place in the relationship between client and therapist. For that reason, I believe that it is extremely important that the client feel heard and safe with the therapist. I make every effort to make my clients feel safe, secure, and heard. I wouldn't be in this business if I didn't care about people, and I believe it shows.
