My Approach to Helping
Humans are wired for connection, but sometimes negative experiences and life events can limit our ability to move forward in our life and truly thrive. It may be that a previous experience ended on a painful note, leaving us with a trust wound. Then again it could be the experience was so traumatic, we cannot seem to truly heal and feel connected with others. Regardless of origin of the pain (trauma, years of growing apart, neglect or infidelity) there is hope.
I specialize in trauma and attachment: whether it is the relationship that you have with yourself (low self esteem, neglect or trauma) or your relationship with others (family, romantic relationships or professional).
Drawing upon Family Systems Theory, Gottman Method and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) let's develop your individualized path forward. I offer a free in office (or telehealth) consultation to make the first step, easier.
More Info About My Practice
May practice is NOT psychopathology focused; meaning one requires a diagnosis from the DSM V in order to receive treatment. While health insurance is a great thing to have, you may not know that health insurance requires therapists to diagnose you as having a DISORDER.
The focus of my practice is human relationships. How we see ourselves, how we see others, and how to make our relationships- better. While there may be a diagnosis that we need to discuss, I find that our human experience has painful chapters: heartache, loss of something that was valuable to us, trust wounds, fractured relationships, or words that cut our heart so deep we may vow to NEVER least anyone that close again.
Maybe it is that nagging questioning voice that wants to suggest that we just aren't good enough? The act of labeling a human with a diagnosis does not necessarily promote recovery. But acceptance of ourselves (and others) as flawed humans who love and hurt is a starting point. Identifying your pain, asking for what you need, implementing boundaries and learning how to have challenging conversations can change the trajectory of your relationship.
I can help you communicate more effectively. This includes helping individuals be fully present with the discomfort of emotional pain and the sharing of disappointed feelings. You can focus on building a healthy mindset (compassion for yourself and others) and forming deeper emotional connections despite slow erosion over the years. Let's look at how you manage your conflict and move from gridlock- to psychological flexibility so that you CAN talk about those challenging subjects and hot buttons. Further, develop your unique rituals of connection- that is specific to you.
If your relationship is wounded from a trust injury or infidelity, there is hope with the process of atone, attune and attach; a model developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. This is not easy to talk about, but you can't gloss over it. You can move through this pain and rebuild, but it takes time and support.
Regardless of what brings you into counseling, the interventions used and the skills you will hone, can be used to better your view of self, deepen friendship, emotional connection and intimacy for a lifetime. Yes, there is pain to discuss, and yes, there is work to be done. If want to learn new conflict management strategies, enhance your communication and Listening skills and invest in your relationship, then call me for a free 15 minute consultation to learn how I can help you.
What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist
Helping individuals recover from pain and find their new healthy path forward. Pain is inevitable but there is hope; you don't have to stay stuck.
Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed
It takes a wise person to realize they need help in an area that they have not received specialized training.
You would want a great attorney for a legal problem, a great accountant for a tax situation and a great therapist for the conflicts regarding your emotional wellness and relationship matters.
