My Approach to Helping
I help those struggling with anxiety, trauma, and depression find renewed strength, peace, and purpose.
The most important person on the path back to mental health is you. Your courage, persistence, and resilience in the face of pain, confusion and isolation. One of my first observations in almost every client I see is that they are tired. Few people understand what you are going through, and those who want to help, may not know how.
The second most important thing is reaching out for help. This step takes courage. You may have considered this step, or even begun this step, many times. But there were too many hurdles to overcome. The third most important thing is finding the right counselor. Trying a counselor who is not a good match for you can be disheartening and discouraging. It takes a lot of persistence to keep trying until you find the right person. Just the fact that you are here reading this is hugely important. You are taking action. I may not be the counselor who will help you, but please do not give up on finding that person. This is not about me. It is about what we can accomplish together.
My approach to change begins with unconditional positive regard and a trusting, acceptant relationship. The first thing I will do is listen. I want to give you support and validation, while we explore the factors needed to bring about positive change.
Your goals and preferences matter. I want to know who you are and where you want to go with your life. Counseling is a relationship, and this relationship will go nowhere without you. We will work together to increase your personal empowerment, gain cognitive and emotional awareness, learn to understand and handle emotions, learn skills for social effectiveness, and find new meanings in your personal history.
My approach is based on understanding how we develop as children and adults, how thoughts, emotions, and behavior work within us, and how our brains work to either keep us sick or make us better. This approach is built on an evidence-based understanding of how change happens, and is beneficial for a range of problems.