My Approach to Helping
I believe that meaning, import, and intent are transferred through language and conversation. I further believe that problems can occur in the transference of these ideas through language both within ourselves and between ourselves and others. I also believe that the solutions for these problems can often be found in language when deep and growthful conversation can occur to provide a more complete understanding of ourselves and others. This is where I believe I can help. Through the use of myself and my knowledge as an artistic conversational partner with my clients, I believe I can assist in creating a comfortable conversational space in which new possibilities, ideas, and understandings can be explored and discussed.
More Info About My Practice
Therapy services are deemed by many Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) programs to be qualifying expenses if considered medically necessary by your doctor or psychiatrist. Please see my website or contact your benefits counselor for more details.
I do not accept insurance at this time.
Had a Negative Therapy Experience?
For those who have had negative experiences with therapy, first I would like to say I'm sorry to hear that. Secondly, I would like to say that clients reporting having positive feelings about therapy and feeling like therapy "worked" for them, more often than not also said that they had a good relationship with their therapist. That is one of the tenants of our business, it's all about the relationship. I see my clients as capable people, and I encourage them to evaluate their feelings about relating to me, are they comfortable seeing me, do our conversational styles work well together, etc. If their answer to any of these questions is no, I invite frank discussion with them about what we might be able to change. If we are able to reach a point where they feel that things have improved sufficiantly, we will continue therapy, should they feel that this is not the case, I invite an equally frank discussion regarding their other options, and I am happy to provide them with references to other professionals that might be a better fit. I inform them at every point that I do not take personality conflicts and evalutions of this type personally, and the most important thing in our exchange is that they feel comfortable, safe, and helped.
The Duration and Frequency of Therapy
I often say "it takes as long as it takes". It can sometimes be one session, and it can also be an ongoing off- and on- relationship throughout a lifetime. I refrain from stating a more specific timeframe because people and their experiences are unique. I think of therapy as a venue in which one can determine their course and their goals, they can be very specific and short term or very vague and long term (like figuring out what life means to them and how to live it to the fullest). I also think of therapy like a relationship with your Family Phsyician. As a patient, you will at some point go into their office to see them for an infection of some kind. After you are cured of that ill, you are likely to go in and see them again the next time you aren't feeling well or you need something they might be able to help you with. Lastly, I firmly believe that ultimately the client determines when therapy is complete.
