My Approach to Helping
I have a passion for helping people and I chose counseling because, as I soon happily learned, counselors empower clients. To me that is revolutionary: counselors listen, care and support....so that's my focus: to empower you, I come in each session prepared to listen and offer various ways to help you open your frame of reference ~ through our collaboration you not only will be able to alleviate whatever symptoms you are experiencing, you will be able to shift your way of being! To me, that is the essence of mental wellness ~ being able to enhance your coping skills, develop resilience and learn, through practice, how to be in the moment. Not the kind of "being in the moment" that is touted in popular culture, but fully experiencing the moments in YOUR life. Those precious nuggets of time that we can fully embrace. It's not new-agey and kooky ~ practicing mindfulness is based on evidence-based brain science. It's not magic - it's hard work, but rewarding and perception expanding. It's life enhancing! It is especially helpful to women who often take on a lot in day-to-day life.
More Info About My Practice
In my therapy room no client is viewed as sick - you are a normal person experiencing various life circumstances. I do not stigmatize clients, in no way do I judge. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, challenges in your relationship difficulty with a life change ~ you are seen as strong and capable and positive psychology is used. Positive psychology is looking at what is working in your life and applying it to the area in which you are experiencing a snag. I use many approaches including creative arts therapy, writing as therapy and - my favorite - Acceptance & Commitment therapy which helps you make meaning out of your life in a real way ~ it helps you reach out and enjoy this life of ours while giving relief to any symptoms you may have. My work includes empowering women through all aspects of their lives.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
I am a certified provider through True Color Sexual Minority Youth Center in Connecticut. I specialize in working with and advocating for LGBTQ (and non-labeling) adults. Discovering who you are in an empowering, supportive atmosphere is what I provide with much gratitude to my clients for sharing their stories. I also work with ally family and friends.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
Life is hard. A flat kind of unimaginative statement, but, yea - it is. The objective view of a therapist can greatly help you see your life, needs, dreams and challenges more clearly ... whatever they may be. The interactive, collaborative nature of therapy can enhance your life and address changes you want to make. Don't know what those changes are? Need to vent (and problem-solve) around relationship issue? Family issues? Sexuality issue? Psychotherapy is a great approach for this. Issues in your relationship with your children, your partner? Husband? Wife? Sex Therapy is a specialty of mine. Taking on the life challenges that specifically effect women is also a focus.
Had a Negative Therapy Experience?
If you have had a negative therapy experience join the club! (I am a member!) I went to therapy when it was popular for the therapist to be mostly silent and engage little with the client. Insight was the goal - and, let me say, insight is amazing and important, but without the addition of the teaching coping skills and supporting the client through advocacy growth stops at insight. In my room you are seen as a complete person who is seeking mental fitness ~ I practice from a loving place through which you can explore your emotions. I am here to help individual clients and couple clients skills to improve their lives.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.