My Approach to Helping
Over the last 40 years of practicing psychotherapy, I have developed an approach called Respect-Focused Therapy, which simply means what it sounds like. I focus on Respect as an underlining theme in therapy, in concert with any and all other issues presented. This means that my first job is to establish a genuine respectful relationship with my client, sharing that sense in a way that may breakthrough previous experiences of disrespect. I then talk about respect as it may apply to each person in their unique experiential context. Roger's Client-Centered Therapy and Buber's I and Thou provide the foundation for this approach.
More Info About My Practice
In 2001, I wrote a book called "A World of Respect" which underscores my approach to therapy and is now the name of my practice. I teach this approach in CE courses and supervise interns and practicum students.
My latest book, Respect-Focused Therapy: Honoring Clients Through the Therapeutic Relationship and Process, (2016, Routledge) is specifically about implementing Respect-Focused Therapy for clinicians and academics. I'm available for speaking on this topic.
I do take insurance for new clients and am accepting new interns seeking supervision. Additionally, my husband and I are trained mediators and provide Family Mediation as well as other forms of Conflict Resolution. For more information, please visit my website,
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
I feel that I'm most adept at working with people who are dealing with a range of life traumas, sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse or physical or mental disabilities. Anyone who is in emotional or relational distress and needs a "life-jacket," assistance in moving forward, is welcome in my door.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
I think that psychotherapy can be most helpful when a person(s) in pain can be welcomed, validated and respected for the total human being he or she is, including the wounds and pain creating the need for therapy, but also the strengths, talents, humor and culture that makes that person uniquely special to humanity.
My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy should always be about meeting the specific needs of the person(s) seeking help. Therefore, it is my strong belief that therapy should be tailored around the needs of the client, not the other way around. Further, clients need to feel respected fully for who they are,despite their circumstances, so that they can better honor themselves and those around them.
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.