My Approach to Helping

With a specialization in relationship counseling, I work with individuals, couples and other family/social/work configurations whose relationships have become stuck, contentious, or more hurtful than nurturing.

In a collaborative environment that focuses on clients' strengths and capacities rather than on their deficits or neuroses, we explore their "blindspots" and triggers, looking at family-of-origin factors or past experiences that may be contributing to the current situation.

I place a lot of emphasis on proposing more effective ways to offer and receive criticism, and on teaching clients how to listen from a place that is compassionate yet anchored in "differentiated self."

In some cases, my work with clients helps them gain new perspectives, write new scripts or practice new skills in the framework of a given relationship. In other cases, I may help an individual or couple who have come to the end of the road move forward in the most amicable way possible.

My work with early-stage (pre- and post-marital) couples provides a safe space to:

-- tackle long-standing struggles that keep circling round;
-- address issues of compatibility;
-- explore individual goals and values, touching on lifestyle, career, faith, parenting, money, sex;
-- address fears or reservations about making a long-term commitment.

More Info About My Practice

-- As a licensed out-of-network provider, I can provide statements for reimbursement (super bills) on request.

-- Special reduced-rate, six-session package for premarital and early-stage couples counseling.

-- Marathon (half-day to 2-day) counseling sessions, where appropriate.

-- My private practice is located in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle.