My Approach to Helping

More Info About My Practice

When you're going through tough times, the last thing you need is to be concerned about seeking help. You may be judging yourself or feeling judged by others. It's important to me to provide a space where you're comfortable being yourself, and where you feel accepted and respected, regardless of your situation or who you are.

My practice philosophy is based on Narrative Therapy and much of my work involves helping clients get in touch with who they are and how they want to be in their lives and relationships. I also find that helping clients focus on what is working (and doing more of it) can be more effective than focusing on what isn't.

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

RELATIONSHIPS don't just happen, they take work. At least 50% of my practice involves relationship issues. I work with couples and individuals to help them with interpersonal skills such as setting boundaries, communication skills, dealing with feelings of betrayal, rebuilding trust, learning to argue productively, as well as issues around intimacy and passion. Often clients find significant benefit from simply learning to be better listeners, and understanding better the interplay between their behavior and their partner's behavior. Sometimes couples are having trouble resolving a particular issue and find than it helps to have a third-party facilitate the discussion. When I work with couples I act as an advocate for the relationship, I do not take sides.

SEX can be an uncomfortable topic to discuss with anyone, including your therapist. Yet, in my office it seems to be a common subject of discussion for both couples and individuals. Many of my clients feel shame or judgement about their behaviors or desires. Sometimes just discussing this with a supportive professional can be helpful. Sometimes it helps clients to know that there is nothing wrong with them, but rather it's the judgement of the culture that's the problem. I am a sex-positive therapist and I commonly work with clients on issues such as performance anxiety and infidelity. I have no agenda when it comes to sex between consenting adult(s), except to be respectful and supportive of my clients.

How Psychotherapy Can Help

"Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man To Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime..."
I believe it's more effective to help clients learn to solve their own problems than to solve the problems for them. Whether you come to therapy with a single issue to work through, or with an ongoing problem, I want you to walk away with new skills and insights that will help you navigate similar issues in the future.