My Approach to Helping
If you are having trouble with relationships, I can help. Are you and your partner having trouble seeing eye to eye? Are there some touchy subjects you want to discuss with your pattern but are afraid how heshe will respond? Do you want to create a thriving, enjoyable, and loving relationship? Perhaps you have had a string of unsuccessful dating relationships and want to figure out how to find the right partner for you. Some people are in a committed relationship and are not sure if they should stay or leave...if their relationship is salvageable or not. I can help with all of these problem areas.
More Info About My Practice
I believe that everyone has their own story to tell, and that no two experiences are identical. I also know that families and relationships behave in some predictable ways. I listen to your story and help explain patterns that I see taking place. Together we talk about ways to change those patterns to have happier, healthier, thriving relationships.
My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy
I believe psychotherapy helps people learn more about themselves, what drives their feelings and actions, and helps them discover that they have many options rather than staying stuck in automatic reactions. When we discover that we have choices, we feel much more free and in control of our lives.
What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist
I have been interested in psychology since I was in high school. Thinking about what makes people tick has always been fascinating to me. It is so much fun to get in there with another person or couple, "roll my sleeves up," and help them examine and understand their difficulties in a way that helps them see that they have options instead of staying stuck. It is a beautiful thing to witness people having that "a ha" moment, and witness them move their lives into a place of thriving instead of barely surviving.
Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist
I strongly believe that the most important factor in choosing a therapist is whether that therapist has done their own therapy work. A therapist can only take you as far as they have gone in their own personal growth and development. I have done my own therapy work on and off for over 25 years.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
Even therapists are human. Going through and addressing my own struggles and situations have made me more passionate about helping others to deal with similar situations in their own lives. It has helped me be more compassionate and understanding. It has helped me to have insight that I might not have if I had not gone through those struggles. It has helped me to understand that change is not always easy, that fears are a formidable force that get in the way of growth, and that working through issues is a process, and that it is important to respect the struggle and the process.
What I Say to People Concerned about the Therapy Process
I encourage my clients to talk about things at their own pace guided by their comfort level. I never force them to talk about things they are not ready to share. If a client seems to be getting overwhelmed, I will stop herhim, use techniques to help herhim calm down, and make sure shehe is ready to move on before proceeding with that particular issue.
Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed
In my opinion, it is much "easier" to ignore or avoid problems than it is to address them and make changes. It takes a lot of strength and courage to be willing to examine one's problems and confront them head on.
The Duration and Frequency of Therapy
The length of therapy varies depending on a number of factors, including the issues presented, the severity of symptoms, how long the problem has been going on, how much change someone desires. Some people feel better with only one or two sessions. Others may need weeks or months or years to resolve deeper issues. I typically meet with clients on a weekly basis until the immediate crisis is resolved or improvement has been made to warrant less frequent appointments. Therapy is ultimately complete when the client decides they gained the insight, knowledge, or skills they need for improving their life.
