What's My Approach to Therapy?
After nearly 25 years in this field, my approach has always been relationship-based first. Trust and rapport are paramount for all ages. Therapy is an extremely personal and vulnerable experience; empathy is crucial. I first seek to understand the problem and the individual, as each individual has different needs based on age, issues, and personal history. Therapy is tailor-made for every client. I keep a low client case load to ensure the best individual care.
My therapy approaches are built on “positive psychology” principles such as self-determination and self-efficacy. I work to build my clients up so they can support themselves rather than being perpetually dependent on a therapist and/or medication. I incorporate a variety of approaches in therapy, depending on what the individual needs and what will be most helpful to them. Some approaches are simple and concrete, while others are more abstract and dedicated to deeper, more spiritual work. I provide cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to some clients, and with others, I provide internal family systems therapy and shadow work when clients need some deep inner work.
For me, the idea of therapy is synonymous with change. I tend to avoid diagnosing unless it is helpful, and I avoid empty talk therapy. My goal is to help people change and find the life they are seeking.
I specialize in working with teens, parents, and families, but I have extensive experience working with most issues and have worked hard to understand the underlying issues and the interplay between them. I have worked to understand how various issues affect each other. It is also my goal to get to the core of the issues rather than dealing with symptoms. Ultimately, it is my goal to see people get better.